Community One: Observations at the Governor's School

The 2001 Institute July 22-27, 2001 Erie, PA

Journal created by: Suzanne Harvey-Walters and Jane Wall

Standard 9.2

Historical and Cultural Context

• Explain the historical, cultural and social context of an individual work in the arts(Statement A)

Observations at thePennsylvania Governors School for the Arts, Mercyhurst College, 2001

Formation of a Plaster Mold From a Human Face

click here to see a movie of a plaster mold of a face

Assessment Strategy for 9.2 (Statement A)

• Students shall cite examples of the use of plaster molds in forms of contemporary art.

Raku: An Ancient Art Form

Teachers at the Governor's School for Educator's viewed a firing of Raku ware. The dramatic sawdust firing produced a remarkable example.

Assessment Strategy for 9.2 (Statement A)

• Students shall relate use of raku ware in its historical and social context.

click here to view Raku process

Click here to view Raku history

Form and Line in Sculpture and Dance

Students at the 2001 Governor's School for the Arts experienced line and form through sculpture and dance. Wigman trained dance troop "Group Motion" held workshops with dance students throughout the day. The students were led through a series of abstact movements as modern dance was explored. Sculpture created by the students was on display throughout the school environment.

Assessment Strategies for 9.2 (Statement A)

• Students shall compare the dance styles of Wigman to that of traditional ballet.

• Students shall compare abstract sculptural form to those of a more traditional form.

click here to view movie

Communication Through the Arts

Original works were performed by theatre students in an outdoor venue during the Governor's School at Mercyhurst. Communication in many forms was explored by the performers.

Assessment Strategy for 9.2(Statement A)

• Students shall explain the social significance of a contemporary theater production.

click here to view movie