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Art History - The Thanksgiving Tradition Through Its Many Voices & Art, 1:1

Learner re-examines the Thanksgiving story starting with the Wampanoags, the arrival of the Mayflower, the historical events leading to its declaration as a national holiday and how it's celebrated by some Natives & Non-Native Americans.
Pamela Ocana, M.A., E-RYT, N/A 12/10/24 -12/21/24
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(400)
Star Educator
Class

What's included

Meets on Demand
schedule meetings as needed
60 mins
per session
Teacher support
Assessment
Informal, throughout class and with a final review.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 12
Important Notes:  All of my classes are inclusive.   Classes are suitable for the neurodiverse child. 
CEFR:  B1-B2 or above.

In this semi-private, introduction level class, Learner will follow with an unbiased compass of integrity, a sensitive re-examination of over 400 years of history from 1614 to present day, to learn about and/or re-examine the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday which today is observed by some with joyous family reunions and festivities, and by others with solemnity as a National Day of Mourning. 

The class materials are based on the challenging history surrounding the legacy of this holiday through historical records from The Library of Congress, The Smithsonian Institution, The Encyclopedia Britannica, The New England Historical Society, The Historic Society of New England, as well as interviews given by the Wampanoag people for the Mayflower 400 Commemoration Event and the Plymouth 400 Commemoration (refer to Sources for further information).

Learner will be guided through an overview of the past 400 years  through broad and inclusive lenses of how history has shaped today's holiday, and how it is observed - or not - in many different ways.  Class gives equal weight and transparency to both sides of this chapter in American history; and through the history of the Wampum Belt from King Philip's War to the present '400 years commemorations', aims to provide a bridge from the past to the present, with a message of hope for future relationships to be based on honesty and equity.

The class includes an introduction, a rich slide selection presenting multiple perspectives of history, including exchanges, and Q&A.  

The presentation pairs the historical event narratives with carefully curated art including paintings, woodcuts, photographs, and sculptures (refer to Sources for further details) offering images that make the material come alive and be relevant for both visual and auditory learners, while cultivating cultural awareness and sensitivity. 

Teaching style is kind and inclusive, emphasizing respect, understanding and appreciation. For these reasons and for gauging Learner's interest level and to be able to adjust accordingly, I require open mics and video in my classes so there is a sense of community and engagement with the material.  Learners will interact with teacher and each other throughout the class.  Class size is kept semi-private (1-3) to allow for Learners to express their comments, concerns, and vital curiosity.  

This class is one of a group of Art History classes, which follow a unifying central theme (others are based on Families, Christmas, Halloween and Beyond, etc.) and may be taken as a complete group, as in a camp format, or separately.  No previous experience is required.
Learning Goals
Students will learn historically accurate descriptions and facts (age appropriate) surrounding the origin of the Thanksgiving holiday.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This class presentation includes subjects of: Colonization, King Philip‘s War, also known as the First Indian War or Metacom's War, the Mayflower history, ensuing relationships between Colonists and the Wampanoags, and the emerging conflicts such as land theft, violence; class also includes which ones may have been the food sources included in the first harvest celebration as an opportunity to give thanks, to today's alternatives from turkey to meatless. Class material is not visually violent. It rather focuses on a multi-dimensional telling of this chapter in American history, keeping an unbiased angle that covers both sides of this story, and aims to inspire to learn from the past for a better future.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Sources used for this class are from: The Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institution, The British Museum, The Historical Society of New England, New England Historic Society, the Encyclopedia Britannica, video interviews of the Wampanoag people (as gathered for the Mayflower 400 Commemoration event and the Plymouth 400 Commemoration, OUR STORY: 400 Years of Wampanoag History), including statements by David Silverman, from The Smithsonian and the contemporary Wampanoags: Frank James, Steven Peters 'Smoke Signals', Paula Peters, Chief Vernon 'Silent Drum' Lopez, Marcus Hendricks, adding the necessary multiple dimension of voices to this story. A personal interview granted by David S. Weed, Psy.D., Coordinator, Sowams Heritage Area Project, actively involved with the Wampanoag people. Art included in the presentation: "Shawnee Home Life", 1890 by Earnest L. Spybuck (Absentee Shawnee, 1883–1949) Native American; Pilgrim Fathers boarding the Mayflower, by Bernard Gribble; Painting by Robert W. Weir, 1843, at the Capitol Rotunda; Painting by T.H. Matteson - engraved by Gauthier - originally titled Agreement Between the Settlers of New Plymouth; Signing the Mayflower Compact 1620 by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris – 1899; "The First Thanksgiving", 1915, by Jean Louis Gerome Ferris; The First Thanksgiving, 1914 by Jennie Augusta Brownscombe ; Library of Congress Metacom (King Philip), Wampanoag sachem, meeting settlers, illustration c. 1911; Portrait of King Philip or Metacom, 1827, by Benjamin Church ; A Storm is Coming, 1863, by Sanford Gifford; Home to Thanksgiving, 1867 by John Schutler after George Henry Durrie for Currier and Ives; Maruru (Thanksgiving) 1893–94 by Paul Gaugin; The Thankful Poor, 1894 by Henry Ossawa Tanner; Turkey by Albert Laessle ; Thanksgiving, 1935 by Doris Lee ; Freedom from Want , 1941-1943 - Home for Thanksgiving, 1945 - Thanksgiving Prayer by Norman Rockwell; Catching the Thanksgiving Turkey, 1943 by Grandma Moses; Pop Art Turkey, 1961 by Roy Lichtenstein; Thanksgiving, 1965 by Alice Neel; Turkey by Richard Tuttle; Thanksgiving, 2003 by John Currin ; Macy’s Parade, 1974-1984, by Joseph Delaney; statue of Massasoit on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth; 46 Million Turkeys by Cheryl Miller; the Wampum belts at The British Museum and the commemorative one made by the Wampanoags for the Commemoration.
5.0
400reviews
Star Educator
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree from Rollins College
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Rollins College
Teacher holds a summa cum laude B.A. in psychology; an M.A. in Liberal Studies/Humanities; her thesis work focused on Symbiotic Relationships, An Exploration of Foreign Born American Artists Living and Working in Central Florida; she subsequently curated an art exhibit at Orlando's City Hall in Florida which was kept on display for 5 months and invited inclusion and appreciation for the richness brought by diversity; she teaches Yoga & Humanities at the College Level, and specializes in interdisciplinary studies, drawing from  historical context, as well as from the arts; and is involved with the Peace & Justice Institute from Valencia College. 

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Live 1-on-1 Lessons
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$65

per session
Meets on demand
60 min

Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-18

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