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Preparation:
We discussed the three works of art we would see at the DIA: Quilting Time by Romare Bearden, The Piper by Hughie Lee Smith, and Bookshop: Hebrew Books, Holy Day Books by Ben Shahn.
Both social studies students and my art class visited the DIA together. My students were asked to make notes on their specific observations of Quilting Time using worksheets I had prepared.
 |  | | (click the images for a close-up view of these sample worksheets). |
I chose to focus on this work during our visit because it was done in a mosaic technique we would try to emulate. Also students could relate to the subject matter of traditional family activities. Many share the African-American heritage of the subject and artist.
A discussion was generated by the following questions:What is meant by community?Students suggested our school, neighborhood and country could be communities. 
Bookshop: Hebrew Books, Holy Day Books
Made in 1953
Ben Shahn, American, 1898-1969
Tempera on wood panel
Gift of John S. Newberry (55.1)
© Estate of Ben Shahn/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY
Click the image for more information. |
What is meant by heritage?Students were asked to list symbols that they see in their communities that represent their heritage. They were asked to think about what other ethnic groups they see in their communities and to list what symbols or images that reflect those cultures.
The original photographs brought in by students were photocopied on a color copier.
I made a master pattern of a grid of 18 equal rectangles. Over the grid, I sketched a waving American Flag. Each rectangle was assigned a letter of the alphabet. I also labeled the flag with whatever color was to go in each space (example, red, white, blue). Each of the 18 sections was then enlarged on a 9" x 12" sheets and given to a group of students.
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