If y’all have followed us for a while you know we like Folk Art. We find
it exciting! A Folk Art lesson that combines creativity with a powerful message
inspired by the words of Martin Luther King is a win / win for all. In this
blog post, we'll explore the vibrant works of the artist Panhandle Slim, who
beautifully captures the spirit of unity and equality through his unique folk
art. You can search for ones online that will fit the climate and culture of
your classroom and campus vibe.
While we are diving into our artistic adventure, let's briefly touch upon
the national standards that guide our learning. The National Core Arts
Standards emphasize the importance of creative expression, connecting art to
historical and cultural contexts, and understanding the elements of art. Our lesson
did align with these standards, fostering a well-rounded artistic experience.
Meet Panhandle Slim: Panhandle Slim, a renowned folk artist, is known for
his colorful and expressive works that often convey social and political
messages. His art serves as a powerful medium to communicate messages of unity,
equality, and justice. I found several clips on Google that I used to share
Panhandle preaching his style!
Inspiration from Martin Luther King: Panhandle Slim draws inspiration
from the teachings of Martin Luther King, a key figure in the civil rights
movement. Martin Luther King's vision of a world where individuals are judged
by their character rather than their skin color resonates deeply with Panhandle
Slim's artistic expression. I had a flyer / resource on the table with famous
quotes from MLK. They could choose one they liked.
Incorporating Famous Quotes: To infuse our art lesson with the wisdom of
Martin Luther King, we'll incorporate some of his famous quotes into our
creations. Quotes like "I have a dream" and "Darkness cannot
drive out darkness; only light can do that" provide a powerful backdrop to
our artistic journey. These quotes will be placed next to his portrait. As far
as the mediums, I let the students pick but I encouraged mixed media – for us
that is using at least 2 different types of mediums.
Elements of Art: Now, let's explore the elements of art that will guide
our creative process:
- Color:
Use vibrant and harmonious colors to convey positivity and unity.
- Line:
Experiment with bold and expressive lines to capture the energy and
emotion of the message.
- Shape:
Play with shapes to create symbolic representations that reflect the
themes of equality and justice.
- Texture:
Add texture to your artwork to make it visually engaging and tactile.
- Space:
Consider the arrangement of elements to create a balanced composition that
tells a story.
You can tell by the examples in this blog that these students were
inspired by folk artists Panhandle Slim and Martin Luther King! Remember that art has the power to inspire
change and convey messages that transcend words. Let your creativity flow and let
the spirit of unity guide your brushstrokes and artsy goodness. I encourage you
to get ready to create art that speaks volumes and celebrates the enduring
legacy of Martin Luther King in your classroom too!
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