Mysteries, Myths and Meaning - mided media course at Old Donation Center for the Gifted and Talented - Brief Article

Interpreting and synthesizing are thinking skills that should be emphasized in a comprehensive art program. These skills were the focus of a unit of study designed for artistically gifted students who attend the Old Donation Center for the Gifted and Talented in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Students, who attend the center one day per week, created mixed-media boxes that interpreted and synthesized the folklore and arts of a culture. The works you see in this article were created by students in grades 4 to 6, but this project could be done with students in junior and senior high school as well.

To begin the process, students selected a myth, legend or folktale from a culture of their choice. They read and analyzed the story, noting key ideas, characters and symbolism. Students then researched the arts and crafts of the culture from which their story originated. Particular attention was given to design motifs that were found in several art forms (pottery, architecture, textiles and so on). Students recorded notes on worksheets for future reference.

After students had gathered their research information, they were ready to sketch ideas for mixed-media box. Plans were drawn for the inside and outside, and a preliminary paper model was constructed. Since the structure of the box was constructed from foamcore, instruction in measuring, cutting and safety precautions was presented.

Once the structure was built, students sealed the boxes with gesso and/or modeling paste. Students were encouraged to mix media and to experiment with color and texture as they embellished the surfaces of their boxes. As they refined the interior and exterior, the box became a metaphor. Its mystery and meaning were revealed as one looked closely at and into the box.

Students were amazed at the diversity of interpretations that resulted from this creative synthesis project. Connections between literature and the arts within a culture were discovered, as were similarities between folklore and design motifs across different cultures. Fortunately, there are many excellent resources currently available for presenting multicultural lessons such as this one. As stated earlier, this lesson can be easily adapted to different age groups.

Nancy B. Prichard teaches art at the Old Donation Center for the Gifted and Talented in Virginia Beach, Virginia. All photos by Michelle Tillander except where noted.

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COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group