In this unit, students will depict favorite places based on their individual experiences. They will select and arrange their materials based on color, texture, shape and luminosity. The teacher will demonstrate techniques to join, cut and manipulate materials and support students as they execute their ideas. Students will learn about Mickalene Thomas’ embellished collages of interior spaces inside the home and places outdoors like gardens as inspiration for their art. Students will have opportunities to share their art and provide feedback for one another.

Students will discover methods of using sketchbooks to explore, revise, plan, and practice the development of artistic ideas and techniques. Teachers will lead students through independent research exploring ideation, composition, art history, color theory, artistic techniques and more to plan a work of art. Critical and creative thinking skills will enhance student’s ability to create original art and highlight student voice.

In June 2022, the Virginia Department of Education fine arts program hosted an arts and culture Institute for Virginia fine arts educators to collaborate with and learn from the Chickahominy Indian Tribe in Providence Forge, Virginia. This resource list was used by the educator team to build background knowledge, and educators and tribal citizens contributed additional resources and suggested classroom activities. This resource page is a short collection of resources that can be used by fine arts educators to respectfully include arts and culture of indigenous people of Virginia in fine arts classroom instruction.