Posts

The Definition of CULTURE...

I know that there are many definitions of "Culture" mainly because when I googled "definition of Culture," there were thousands of results.  A while ago, I arrived at my own definition (narrowed down and way over simplified) that I use in my classroom when I teach about the connections between students, their artwork and "their culture." "Culture is the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices of groups of people." When I ask my students to think about culture they will often think of cultural traits or stereotypes that they do not possess.  I find it amusing when at the fairly rural high school that I teach, students will make sure to tell me that, "they aren't country"...whatever that means.  Just joking.  I know what that means. Did you notice what I did there?  In the last paragraph.  When attempting to discuss "Culture" I exposed my own cultural bias.  ( Here's a recap:I find it amusing

A little about me.......

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       Hi!  My name is Daniel Zapata.  I am extremely excited to collaborate and work with an a amazing group of facilitators for the Balfour Pre College Academy.        A little about me.....I am a high school art teacher near Bloomington Indiana.  I have been a teacher for twelve years and most of that time I was an elementary art teacher.  That was a lot of fun and I have so many great memories of teaching ages 5 though 12, but once I had the opportunity to teach high school students, I realized I had found my true calling.  I love to engage my student's minds in a way that allows them to explore the process of creativity.  I want to help my students make connections between ideas, previous knowledge, and their own personal experiences in order to solve a problem, make a point, persuade, or beautify through visual art.        I am a painter and printmaker when I have the time.  I love all types of art however and usually want to experience as much as I can whether making or ju

The Banquet

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Wow!  I am totally speechless and inspired right now...I want to share our groups Final banners an presentation.  Please enjoy.

Becoming an Activist Artist

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I’ve left the group inspired every day!  The students took no time to start collaborating and creating once they transitioned into the final project of creating a large banner of awareness art.  Each group is putting their heart into every brush stroke and pencil line.  Here are some pictures of the fun!

Artwork that creates AWARENESS

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The students teamed up to create some amazing artwork that brings awareness to the issues of global and local water access.

GALACTIC Global Arts...

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mid week check in.... We have had three sessions so far and they have gotten better and better.  Our students have been engaged and creative since day one.  They are having a lot of fun and so am I.  I am really happy That’s katie and I decided to have the students start working on visual art on Monday.  Their ideas or absolutely inspiring!  On Monday Inaskes how many students co side res themselves artists and only one student raised their hand.  After the whole class had the opportunity to work on a poster more of the students realized that they too are artists.  One of the best parts for me is that the students are taking initiative and going above and beyond with their creativity!   Katie and I introduced both the global and the local issue from day one and continue to draw cool nnecrions to those issues of water scarcity and access each day.  Through fantastic debates, activities, and creative writing, the students are going from talking about the problem to discussing possi
Here is link to me and Katie's lesson Plans. This is a working document that needs some polishing.  please leave comments or ideas.  Thanks so much! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fFWX8osk0tWu_4wJIGnI5CVlHhPKGGgDtinmMkMxalU/edit?usp=sharing