Highlights of the Art of the Americas

This lesson offers an overview of the art of North, Central and South America in the 53 galleries of the Art of the Americas wing. The collection includes art from Pre-Columbian society through the first half of the 20th century. The richness of the collection reflects the richness of American history and is an invaluable teaching tool. This lesson, and the accompanying guided tour at the museum which is offered year-round, is recommended for studnets in grades 2-12.

Learning Goals:

In exploring this lesson, students will:

• Discover how artists use the elements of art-color, line, texture, shape and form- to create meaning.

• Consider how art reflects the time and culture in which it was made.

This discovery will require students to:

• Look closely and make observations

• Express their ideas

• Support their ideas by grounding them in a work of art
 

Using this resource:

•Social Studies teachers will be interested in the connections between the events of United States history and the images in the gallery.

•Arts teachers will be interested in the examination of the history of art in the Americas and its relevance to the politics and social events of the time.

The objects in this lesson are just a beginning. We encourage you to explore the Museum's online collection through this web resource—or even better, to visit the Museum and walk through the physical galleries—to look for other objects that will provide further insights into American art.