Classroom Ideas For American Artist Appreciation Month, August

Encourage students to participate in American Artist Appreciation Month by offering them various ways to develop their own artistic skills. Offer Kindergarten students a simple white sheet of paper which includes a framed section within which they can draw or paint their little masterpieces. Offer drawing paper with handwriting lines at the bottom so that they can include a title, caption or personal message. Even preschoolers are not too young to begin to develop writing and artistic abilities. Younger students can begin by drawing lines and curves. Give them larger, unlined sheets so that they may draw straight and curvy lines more easily. Then, encourage them to add shapes such as squares, triangles, rectangles, ovals, and circles. They can paint or color in the spaces to reveal an abstract piece of artwork.

Any grade level can bring in objects from home in order to paint a Still Life Portrait. Ask students to bring in a basket of their favorite fruits. Place the baskets near the student's desk and instruct the student to draw or paint the basket of fruit. Students can do the same thing with their favorite toy or any other objects within teacher and school guidelines.

Encourage students to bring in magazine clippings and create collages of their favorite clothing, actors, actresses, or outdoor activities.

Invite students to participate in creating clay sculptures. Older students can whittle away at a bar of soap in order to create a miniature sculpture.

Read biographies and autobiographies of famous American artists. Bring in samples of artworks from American artists. Allow students to discuss what they like and dislike about the artists’ works.

Be sure students understand that art does not only include drawing and painting. There are many forms of art. Allow students to explore as many forms of art as possible during American Artist Appreciation Month (August).

There are future artists in classrooms across America. Who knows? One of your students might grow up to be a famous artist.