A collection of work produced for courses within the Master of Art in Art Education at the University of Florida.
Public Art: Unit Plan
The unit will be a long-term program of study on Public Art for middle school students in a classroom setting. With my background in community-based settings, I have seen the transformative outcome of an immersive public art project on a young person. I think there is much to be gained from recreating that experience within the classroom or school community.
With an increased interest in public art, and corporate and pop culture use of public art techniques, young people are seeing and interacting with public art in their lives more than ever before.
I am specifically interested in exploring what makes some public artworks feel authentic versus others that feel far removed from true artistic intent. I would like to facilitate a deeper understanding of the power of public art and civic connection through historical and contemporary artist studies, experiential independent learning, skill building, and community-building.
For a media-centric generation, who consume so much visual imagery, I think it is especially important to discover and practice some of the historical and influential sources of imagery and processes we see today. I think it is important for all 21st century students, especially those who are interested in the arts or art careers, to be able to discern and ask questions about artistic intent and explore how public art connects to social issues in the world around them.