Workshops begin with a cultural component where students will:

Learn facts about the life and culture of the region

 Observe artifacts, artwork and photographs of people, places, and things

Understand what a day in the life of a young person in that culture is like  

Learn words and phrases in the native language

Workshops will conclude with a fun art activity that will incorporate the concepts learned. Workshop themes and art activities are described below. Special Theme workshops may focus on a historical event rather than a specific culture, or may be designed for specific age/gender groups.

Themes

New Zealand

Koru Art- The koru is the Maori name given to the new unfurling fern frond and symbolizes new life, growth, strength, and peace. It is an integral symbol in Maori culture. Students will use pastels and paint to create colorful and unique koru designs.

Kenya

Tic Toc Drum- Also known as the dugi dugi, is a popular hand-made African instrument. Students will understand that countries around the world create instruments to make their own unique style of music. Students will use natural materials, paint, and varied beads to create their handheld drums.

Japan

Suminagashi Monoprints – This floating ink technique will be taught to introduce the ancient concept of marbleized paper. Students will learn about the Japanese beliefs of the ever-changing and constantly moving nature of water and how the beliefs are translated to art. Oil paint floating in pans of water will be used to create unique pieces.

Egypt

Gold Leaf Fan- This hands-on craft will teach students to create elaborate and intricate design, just as an ancient Egyptian artisan would. They will understand the importance of gold and how it was used in art as a symbol of honor. For this activity, students will write a story using Egyptian symbols and use gold leaf, paint, “jewels”, and feathers to create their own symbols of honor.

Special Themes

Book of Secrets – This activity can be adapted to a Holocaust or Underground Railroad lesson. Books have historically been used for purposes other than written communication – they have also been used as hiding places for secrets and memories. This book-making and collage project uses small matchboxes as drawers to tuck away secrets and can support a variety of literary and historical studies.

African Waist Beads (Young Women) – These beads are traditionally worn under the clothes of African women and have meanings that vary from region to region. From rites of passage to healing and rejuvenation, the beads are a representation of growth, development, wellness, and adornment. Young women in this workshop will have the opportunity to create their own waist beads with a meaning that is special to them.

Finishing Sadako’s Cranes (Origami)– Young Students grades 2 – 5 will listen to a recording of the book Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. They will learn about the effects of war on children and Sadako’s story. Students will understand the cultural relevance of origami and create paper cranes for Sadako.