Description

Groups of students were given the task of creating a Haring-style painting that communicated a message about an important social issue.

Objective

To expose students to Haring's work and style.

To allow students the opportunity to cultivate an idea as a group, collectively, emphasizing teamwork and cooperation.

To give students a cause or concern to examine and stand up for.

Resources

Haring's acitivist posters

Materials

Canvas
Canvas stretchers
Gesso (paint primer)

Acrylic paint
Brushes & painting supplies
Paper
Pencils

Procedure

In this class, students were seperated into groups of three and given the task of creating a Haring style painting that communicated a message about an important social issue. After brainstorming, and deciding on a final issue, they were to sketch ideas for their topic. They then built their own canvases, drew on the design, chose colors, and painted. This group worked especially hard and had several admirers of their work.

Questions

Ask students to identify the social issues that some of the other groups were dealing with in their work.

Why is art a good such a good tool to express your opinions and thoughts on the world?

How does the role of symbol-making come into to using social issues in art?

Extensions

Have children find a local charity or non-profit to make a mural for using the skills they developed on their smaller project.

Southport Middle School's web site