Imagine That! Art Education

Leading educator, artist, and author, Joyce Raimondo, leads k-12 core classroom and art teachers in an exploration of art designed to maximize student creativity and critical thinking.

Slide Shows
During interactive slide shows, Joyce Raimondo models how to facilitate engaging discussions about modern masterpieces by such artists as van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollock. Each program explores an age appropriate theme such as how famous artists express emotions. Rather than simply provide information, Ms. Raimondo demonstrates how to ask questions that invite students to form their own interpretations about what they see. The questioning technique prompts detailed and carefully considered observations. Students are encouraged to debate and express their opinions while accepting varied viewpoints.

This program helps prepare students for English Language Arts Assessment Test and meets the New York State Standards for the Arts. The approach imparts the joy of art history to students who often have been deprived of art instruction or the opportunity to visit museums. The discussions enhance academic skills and can be applied to other areas of leaning such as social studies, language arts, and science. The approach helps students 1) develop language skills 2) increase observation skills 3) enhance critical and creative thinking 3) gain confidence speaking within a group 4) debate and accept varied opinions 4) develop the ability to describe, analyze, and interpret art 5) express emotions constructively 6) gain knowledge and enjoyment of art history.

Hands-on Projects
Following the slide talks, teachers learn how to utilize art history as a springboard for creativity during related projects in collage, drawing, printmaking, or sculpture. Designed to maximize creative thinking, the projects are based on revolutionary modern art movements such as Surrealism, Impressionism, and Expressionism.

Teacher Outcome
1) Teachers will develop skills for looking and talking about art with students (K-12) by using simple questioning techniques.
2) Teachers will develop ability to describe, analyze, and interpret artworks based on what they see.
3) Teachers will learn how to create hands-on art lessons for students (K-12).
4) Teachers will develop an understanding of modern art concepts.
5) Teachers will explore art media. They will understand how these projects can be applied to age appropriate classroom activities.

Program Format
The workshops are based on Joyce Raimondo’s educational art books. The books present the content of the workshops in a lively format that can be used in the classroom. Staff development workshops can be given in a series or one single session. Museum trips for students and teachers can be incorporated into the program. Visits in which Joyce Raimondo works directly with students can also be integrated into the staff development program.

TOPICS ARE BASED ON MS. RAIMONDO'S ART BOOKS:
Go to the School and Book sections of website for workshop topics.