People who work with visual images include painters, quilters, ceramic artists, beadwork artists, sculptors, sign painters and people who arrange displays in store windows. These people and others like them live in all communities. By studying them and the work they do, students can begin to understand the role visual images play in daily life, and the many ways visual images reflect and define culture. This mini-unit encourages students to become aware of the connections between visual art and daily life. They can see that many artists choose their subject matter from what they see around them.
Students can also see that visual art is present in their own community.
Visual Images and Cultural Values Introductory Activities Cut advertisements from magazines. Give each student or small group of students an ad with the product name removed so the students don't know what's being advertised. Make a list. Try to guess the product. Magazine advertisements Artists often comment on aspects of culture, besides just reflecting it.