2015 Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad Recipient- Rafael Hernandez School Art as Life in China Visual Resources for Teaching Art forms of China by Visual Arts Educator Ms. Highsmith 2015 Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad Recipient- Rafael Hernandez School

Essential Questions ◦How does art reflect culture in the world? ◦What does Art say about the skills and dedication of artists and artisans? ◦Do you Agreed that artists are recorders of history? If so, Why?

My experience in China allowed me to bring insight back to my students.

Forbidden City in Beijing, China

Almost 1,000 rooms within the Complex of Forbidden City, the size of a small country could fit inside it’s walls!

Emperor’s Protectors: Guardian Lions

Male Guardian Lion Displays Power Over the World

My Student’s Artwork Interpretations of the Great Wall of China

Art and History: Statues of guardian lions have traditionally stood in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government offices, temples, and the homes of government officials and the wealthy, from the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220). Chinese guardian lions expressed supreme power for over five centuries (1420-1911), the Forbidden City in Beijing, represents a testimony to Chinese civilization during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The ball played by the male lion symbolized the unity of the empire, and the cub below the female thriving offspring. Lions with 13 lumps, the highest number, guarded the houses of officials of the first grade, and the number of these lumps decreased by one as the rank of the official went down each grade. The stone Marco Polo Bridge near Beijing has 501 lions of varying sizes and postures along this entrance into the city.

My Student’s Artwork Interpretations

My Student’s Artwork Interpretations

My Student’s Artwork Interpretations

My Student’s Artwork Interpretations

My Student’s Artwork Interpretations

My Student’s Artwork Interpretations

We are just getting started! It’s important to expose students to images, informative text, and traditional music related to subject matter studied to play softly in the background as students work on projects! Allow students time to absorb, communicate and create. Instructional time and video watching should be allotted in 15-20 minute sets over period of 3-4 classes. Most important is for you to discover new details, explore challenges, and try your best and believe in yourself! Have fun with it, always respect your craft!