For this lesson, we will examine the role of the artist as social activist, raising awareness of an important cause through their artwork.



This earthwork by Andy Goldsworthy makes us look at the things in our natural environment in a new way. 

In 1982, an environmental artist names Agnes Denes, planted a two acre wheat field in the middle of New York city. After it was harvested, it was taken to 28 poverty stricken cities around the world and planted there to raise awareness of the need to put an end to world hunger.



The aids memorial quilt on display on the green in front of the white house. The quilt squares each commemorate the life of a person who died of aids. The enormous number of them on display makes us aware of the seriousness of this disease.

American quilt making as we know it today originated in Africa and was practiced by slaves here in the US. The symbols on quilts were used by participants of the Underground Railroad to leave messages for escaping slaves to help them find their way safely to the North.

As an introduction to our fibers unit, each student will create a quilt square of their own design to raise awareness for the plight of endangered animals and the importance of biodiversity.
After researching the endangered animal of their choice, students will create a collaborative work of art that educates and informs.

Links to endangered species websites:

Students: Click here to choose from a list of endangered animals:

http://www.kidsplanet.org/factsheets/map.html


http://www.worldwildlife.org/endangered/index.cfm


http://www.endangeredtv.com/videos.cfm