Diving Deeper into
Arts Culture and
Middle School arts curriculum moves beyond Western Europe to reflect our multicultural history By Dwayne Wilson, Middle School art teacher
Picasso, Manet, Van Gogh, Monet, and Matisse are artistic masters whose familiar works are incorporated into our Lower School art classes as our youngest students initially learn about fine art techniques. But did you know these European men were all influenced by the unknown African artisans who created beautiful masks centuries earlier? This is the kind of lesson Country Day fifth graders experience as we bridge their broad Lower School introduction into fine arts with a more complex understanding of art history and expression. Over the past three years, the Middle School art department has been intentionally incorporating more artists of color and female artists into the curriculum. Why? Because we live in a multicultural society and teach in a multicultural educational 28
PERSPECTIVES
environment. It’s estimated that less than 15 percent of the artwork displayed in U.S. museums reflect the work of women and artists of color. Since these students were in kindergarten, they have learned about many artists and their contributions to art; but in Middle School we explore a greater breadth of work, expand the knowledge base, and dive deeper into the historical context. Additionally, as an African-American arts educator, along with Stacy Utley, I realize it is my responsibility to challenge our students’ understanding of art—its history, influence, contribution, and perspective. We want all students to not only see representations of their own culture and gender, but also learn about what influences these artists have contributed to the world of art
