Exploring the World of Visual Arts: Creating a Mixed Media Collage

Title: Exploring the World of Visual Arts: Creating a Mixed Media Collage

Compliance: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Visual Arts

Subject: Visual Arts

Summary: This activity engages ninth-grade students in creating a mixed media collage, allowing them to explore various art techniques and express their creativity.

Topic: Creating a Mixed Media Collage

Learning Outcomes:

• Know the elements and principles of art
• Understand how to use different art materials and techniques
• Can create a mixed media collage using a variety of materials and techniques

Methodology:

This activity will be conducted over several class periods and will involve both individual and group work. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Introduction (1 class period): Begin by introducing the concept of mixed media collage and its significance in the art world. Discuss the elements and principles of art that will be incorporated into the collages.
2. Research and Inspiration (1 class period): Allow students to research and gather inspiration for their collages. Provide them with resources such as art books, magazines, and online platforms to explore different styles and techniques.
3. Planning and Sketching (1 class period): Instruct students to brainstorm ideas and create rough sketches of their collage designs. Encourage them to experiment with composition and consider the use of different materials.
4. Material Exploration (2 class periods): Provide a variety of art materials such as colored papers, fabric scraps, paint, markers, and found objects. Allow students to experiment with these materials and techniques, encouraging them to think outside the box.
5. Collage Creation (3-4 class periods): Give students ample time to create their mixed media collages. Provide guidance and support as needed, encouraging them to incorporate the elements and principles of art discussed earlier.
6. Presentation and Reflection (1 class period): Have students present their collages to the class, explaining their artistic choices and the meaning behind their work. Facilitate a class discussion on the different approaches and techniques used.

Resources/Materials Required:

• Art books, magazines, and online resources
• Colored papers
• Fabric scraps
• Paint (acrylic or watercolor)
• Markers
• Glue
• Scissors
• Found objects (buttons, beads, feathers, etc.)

Instructions:

Follow these instructions to guide your students through the activity:

1. Introduce the concept of mixed media collage and discuss the elements and principles of art.
2. Allow students to research and gather inspiration for their collages.
3. Instruct students to brainstorm ideas and create rough sketches of their collage designs.
4. Provide a variety of art materials and allow students to experiment with them.
5. Give students ample time to create their mixed media collages.
6. Have students present their collages to the class and facilitate a class discussion.

Assessment:

Assess the students' learning through the following criteria:

• Completion of research and inspiration phase
• Quality of planning and sketching
• Effective use of different art materials and techniques
• Overall creativity and originality of the mixed media collage
• Ability to articulate artistic choices and meaning during the presentation

By the end of this activity, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the elements and principles of art, as well as developed their artistic skills through the creation of a mixed media collage. They will also have the opportunity to express their creativity and individuality through their artwork.