Animals in World Art History: Spots & Stripes! Giraffes & Zebras (Ages 13-18)

>>>PLEASE READ BEFORE ENROLLING:
The live portion of this class consists of hour-long, lecture-based presentations, with Q&A breaks as time permits -- you know your learner(s) best, so please consider if the session length and format is a good fit for them.*** 

Zebras and Giraffes are both endemic to Africa -- but both can be found in art all around the world! Some older art also serves as records of the historical practice of "animal diplomacy" between kingdoms and empires, while more modern art often draws upon the natural beauty of the animals themselves -- including their distinctive patterns!

In this two-part session, we will learn about the basic natural history of giraffes (day 1) and zebras (day 2), including profiles of each of the recognized living species and subspecies. Then we will take a tour through world art history to first find examples of how each have been depicted in traditional African art and culture, and then in the arts of other world cultures from first encounters through the modern era. As time permits, we can also check out a few fun zebras and giraffes in modern pop culture. :)

There will also be instructions provided for an OPTIONAL art activity which students are invited to try on their own, as well as a playlist of both assigned and optional videos to watch after each day's session.

Each live session will consist of primarily slides accompanied by lecture, but there will be opportunities to ask questions, and of course the Classroom board will be available for open discussion before and after class as well. Students who choose to try the optional at-home art activity or any other class-inspired art can also post and discuss their creations on the Classroom board!

This class is part of the ANIMALS IN WORLD ART HISTORY series.