Including diverse artists is crucial for students of all races, genders and ethnicities. As an art teacher I feel it is important that young artists see themselves reflected back as professional creators, which is why my art history classes include artists beyond the European tradition of art. Studying a range of art movements and artists around the world from a decolonized perspective leads to a much richer experience as it exposes students to artists who work in a variety of mediums and unique methods. 

In 2019, an artist named Maurizio Cattelan created a piece called, "The Comedian". This artwork consisted of a banana duct-taped to a wall in an art gallery, and sold for $120,000! Yes, it was an actual edible banana. And yes, someone actually ended up eating it. So, what is this actually about? Does this mean that anyone can tape a piece of fruit to a wall and call it "art"? 

When it comes to modern and contemporary art, sometimes we are confused about how something like this can be art. Maybe you've heard people comment, "why, anyone could do that; it doesn't take any real talent!". The famous question is, then: what exactly IS art? 

Learning about modern and contemporary art movements can help artists of all ages answer difficult questions about art, such as: 
- does art require talent? 
- is it only art if someone assigns monetary value to it? 
- how do museums and galleries decide what belongs and what doesn't?
- where and how do *I* fit into the art world?

In this class learners can discover their own style and find ways to communicate and discuss art with an educated, balanced point of view. In this ongoing class we will discuss and review one famous artist each week and then complete an art project inspired by that artist and art movement. 

This art course will represent countries and cultures around the world and cover the following artists:

• Week of September 2: (Canada): Aboriginal Canadian artists Nathalie Bertin (Metís) and Kenojuak Ashevak (Inuit). Norval Morrisseau and The Indigenous Group of Seven. Oil pastels or chalk. 
• Week of September 9: (USA) Kehinde Wiley and Carrie Mae Weems (USA). A study of contemporary photography and Afrofuturism.
• Week of September 16 (Mexico): Victoria Villasana. Art project: mixed media with optional hand embroidery and printable template.
• Week of September 23 (Japan): Takashi Murakami. Project: manga and comic art styles with pens, markers or any preferred medium.
• Week of September 30 (Lebanon): Helen Zughaib. Digital art and/or any preferred medium. Cultural identity, refugee/displacement and family. 
• Week of October 7 (Ghana): El Anatsui. Sculpture with discarded materials and discussion of consumption, waste and African art.
• Week of October 14 (UK): Filthy Luker and female street artist Annatomix. Street art: "Art Attacks" and origami-inspired art. A fun, pop art/street art discussion about inflatable, temporary structures and origami. Project: sketch a fun art attack or try some origami with paper and/or paint.

• Week of October 21 VACATION (no class)

• Week of October 28 (China): Liu Xiaodong and Cao Fei. Neo-Realism and virtual reality art. Create digital art with a separate tablet/device or use a linked website provided during class.
• Week of November 4 (Australia and Kaiadilt/Bentinck Island): Patricia Piccinini and Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori. Indigenous Australian art and fantasy sculpture. Project: abstract painting with acrylics or tempera paints if possible (any medium can substitute).
• Week of November 11 (Indonesia): Elicia Edijanto and Mulyana. Watercolor paintings and crochet sculptures. Project: monochromatic watercolor painting. 
• Week of November 18 (Ukraine): Eugenia Gapchinska and Olha Pilyuhina. Project: folk art and Textile art (tapestry/weaving). 
• Week of November 25 (USA): Joan Hill and other Indigenous artists of North America. Project: watercolor painting
• Week of December 9 (Germany): Anselm Kiefer, Rosemarie Trockel (Knitted Paintings). Project: textile weaving design on graph paper or printable template. 
• Week of December 16 (Venezuela): Jesús Rafael Soto (kinetic and Op Art) and Hermann Mejía (comic/caricature). Project: optical illusions using pen, markers and ruler. 
• Week of December 23: Iran - Shirin Neshat (film and photography). Project: text art on self-portrait using pencil, pen, marker.
• Week of December 30: Philippines - Leeroy New (sculpture) and Ronald Ventura. Project: realism, graffiti art and comic art. 

In each class we will spend the first portion of class learning about the artist and viewing their famous works of art that will inspire our project. Learners are encouraged to share their opinions and ask questions in an open discussion as we review a short slide presentation together. Some presentations may include a short video. Next, we will work on our projects, which will vary depending on the schedule. Please check the supply list upon enrollment, and reminders are posted a day in advance if special supplies are recommended for that week. Supplies are typically minimal, however, and always optional. It's perfectly fine to attend the class lecture and skip the art project, or decide to create something completely different!

As with all of my art classes, I focus on self-expression and helping learners find their confidence in creating art. There is no pressure to create, and learners will find that my classes and teaching style fosters a calm, inviting atmosphere. I encourage and value exploration and curiosity over a finished result. 

Learners of all abilities are welcome in my classroom. Please contact me if there are any special requests or needs that I should be aware of. Learners outside the suggested age range should contact me for any possible exceptions. 

I hope to meet you in class!