smART Program Profile

Henninger High School, Mark Alice Durant,
& Everson Museum of Art

Partners: Mark Alice Durant, photographer, Everson Museum of Art, Art/Art History Teacher, computer Art teacher

Students: 11 – 11th & 12th graders

BIG IDEA: To learn that there are professional possibilities in visual arts and there are specific skills that can be developed for achievement.

Action: Students will explore the photographic process completely and will create photographs that express personal style and mount an exhibition of the resulting work.

Planning: Six sessions; Summer 2000-April 2001. Plans for overall project, exhibition, web design, coloring books, and review.

Implementation: Process includes study of photo process, production of work, exhibit planning based on aesthetic criteria developed by student curators, museum visits exploring the works of Larry Clark, Carrie Mae Weems, Cindy Sherman, plan and mount exhibit, design web site.

The artist works with each student 8 times twice at school/6 times at SU.

Evaluation: Student reflection through individualized (prose to poetry) Artist Statements. At each stage of implementation specific evidence was examined to determine knowledge of photographic principles, choices and judgment for the exhibit based on aesthetic elements and critical analysis. Publication of coloring book and website in clear communicative styles, and finally acceptance of at least four students to colleges as a result of their portfolios.

Partners for Arts Education advocates for the role of the arts in every aspect of a child’s educational life. The partnerships we showcase recognize the artistic & educational integrity of teacher, artist, & student. We believe this is possible & necessary for all learners, & we provide the support & evidence to make it happen!