The New School and Tom Huff

The "ArtStoneWorks" program was remarkably effective in exposing students to the art, culture and history of Native Americans through hands-on work, narratives on personal and cultural history, and exposure to personal and cultural artifacts. Throughout the program, the influence of art and symbolism were highlighted, and students were intrigued by these ideas.

Tom Huff brought an impressive selection of artifacts, including painting, stone sculpture, photographs, family pictures, traditional clothing, beaded moccasins, literature, pottery, baskets, along with stories and his talks on history and culture, all contributing to a multi-faceted program that put the sculpture in a rich context. This project stimulated plans to integrate 3-dimensional art into varied areas of the curriculum.

The quality of learning associated with this project was enhanced by its multi-dimensional nature, involving hands-on work with varied media (drawing, clay, stone); narrative history and storytelling; illustrative artifacts; reading stories; doing research. Small group and one-on-one work with the artist, and the opportunity for questions and conversation with him also made this a lasting educational experience.

Although the project plan assumed students would create animal sculptures, the artist decided to let them choose any motif as they noted and appreciated Tom's stylized sculptural forms; they had learned to be inspired by the material. The students referred to their drawings as they transferred designs onto the stone, then used the subtraction technique to "find" their figure. They discussed their work, and understood which tools would best function. Permitting the students to use somewhat dangerous tools elicited pride and care in their working with the stone. Their respect for the tools made it possible to do a later project creating stencils using X-acto knives for each student's statement of thankfulness, based on a Haudenasaunee tradition.

An unanticipated and valuable lesson for the students was in their grasp of the distinction between Native Americans in history, and as contemporary citizens. This was possible through Tom's presence and his explicit narrative; the students learned that Native Americans are just like everyone else they know, and that this was their universe before contact. Students learned the content of the social studies curriculum encompassing art, culture, and history of Native Americans within a context of personal narrative. They learned the process of creating a stone sculpture, and they learned to think about art as an aspect of culture and history as well as of personal expression.

Comments from teachers:
"So much information and a sense of cultural values were expressed through Tom's presentations and his art. It was a very effective way to get students thinking about social studies and art, and using many learning strategies at once."

"As a teacher one doesn’t often have the luxury of watching others teach, but it was reaffirming to watch Tom teach. His quiet voice, both respectful and insightful, garnered their attention. Five year olds and thirteen year olds alike were mesmerized by his ideas, thoughts and suggestions."

"This program was so rich and extended into so many areas in the school. The personal, emotive, and cultural aspects were powerfully expressed, and absorbed by the children. It was a beautiful example of the integration of learning we had hoped for."

Comments from the artist:
"I see my ability to carve and create as a gift from the creator, and it is my responsibility to share that gift through the teaching and sharing that come from social interaction, and that includes bridging different cultures. I enjoy teaching the children because they are more intuitive and observant and they have a unique perspective on the world and their life."