What is ART?????

Binky the alien is from the planet Zirckon in a neighboring galaxy. Binky is a typical alien who works for the government on foreign affairs and research. He is about to embark on a mission far, far away.

Binky, you have a mission. We are continuing to study earthlings. We are committed to understanding their culture and discover if we can become allies in this universe. If we can share our expertise we can help each other in the uses of technology, food sources, energy….…..the possibilities are endless.

Earthlings have something called “Art” on their planet. Zickon’s planet advisors say that this Art can explain everything about earthlings. Who they are, What they value, What they don’t value, What has happened in history, What they enjoy, What they think is funny, beautiful, tragic etc…..Earthlings have something called “Art” on their planet. Zickon’s planet advisors say that this Art can explain everything about earthlings. Who they are, What they value, What they don’t value, What has happened in history, What they enjoy, What they think is funny, beautiful, tragic etc….. Sounds like Art is the key to human beings unlike other species and creatures. I can’t wait.

Begin at the Art Museum. There is a class of school children on tour trying to uncover just the same question. WHAT IS ART? Please go and report back to us your findings.

Off to earth he goes…….

At the museum Binky tours with the class. He doesn’t speak the language but with the help of his translation device he is able to understand much of what the docent is telling the students. © 2000–2010 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved Fifth Avenue. New York, New York Retrieved June 23, 2010 from

They look at portrait of Barrack Obama and George Washington. Smithsonian. Retrieved June 23, 2010, from Smithsonian Institute: Smithsonian. Retrieved June 23, 2010, from Smithsonian Institute:

They see an Egyptian Pharaoh Headdress Pics4learning. Retreived June 23rd, 2010 from Pics4learning

They see a giant mural on the outside walls with shapes and lines © 2000–2010 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved Fifth Avenue. New York, New York Retrieved June 23, 2010 from

They see a picture all jumbled up. The docent said it was abstract. © 2000–2010 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved Fifth Avenue. New York, New York Retrieved June 23, 2010 from

They see some beautiful paintings of nature Pics4learning. Retreived June 23rd, 2010 from Pics4learning

They see some old colorless statues. They were from all over. One was a saint. Some were soldiers. Pics4learning. Retreived June 23rd, 2010 from Pics4learning

Binky didn’t know what this was. The docent said it was non-objective. Smithsonian. Retrieved June 23, 2010, from Smithsonian Institute:

Binky is very confused and has asked for your help. You need to help him figure out why these pieces of art and other items like these are considered Art. He needs to report back to Zirckon.

Step 1 - Explore Your Topic and Generate Questions  Separate the items at your table into the categories that you come up with. Does it work?  Write down any questions you have.  Share with the group your categories. Tip****One way to explore and narrow your topic is by breaking it down into smaller topics or categories.

Step 2 – Organize the Information These are the categories we’re going to work with. These are the ones the docent told us about. Resort the pictures again using these categories.  Abstract- doesn’t look real  Shows Feelings  Beautiful  Shocking or confusing  Ancient  Historic  Religious

Step 3 – Gather and Organize More Information  In your group define “What is art?”. Use a variety of sources for this research.  Now explore the category assigned to your group. Define any word you don’t know to uncover meaning. Find examples of this artwork. You are almost ready to help Binky!

Step 4 and 5 Communicate Findings with Rough and Final Draft Create a poster about the category of art you have been assigned. It should: 1.Have a clear title 2.Define the category 3.Show sample artwork(s) 4.Be pleasing to look at 5.Look creative!!!!

 Encyclopedia of world art (1968) 15 v. 2 supplement vols. (1983, 1987) N31.E533 Art reference  Haggar, R. Dictionary of art terms (1962) N33.H Art reference  McGraw-Hill dictionary of art (1969) 5 v. N33.M23 Art reference  The Metropolitan Museum of Art ( ) 1000 Fifth Avenue. New York, New York Retrieved June 23, 2010 from  Smithsonian. Retrieved June 23, 2010, from Smithsonian Institute:  Pics4learning. Retreived June 23 rd, 2010 from Pics4learning References