Middle School Studio Lesson
The Team Approach toArt
Carol Prokop
Visual arts rarely seem to camaraderie of a marching band or Inspiration
receive the accolades that the cohesiveness of an athletic team. Several years ago I read a newspaper
are bestowed upon other This lack of recognition started article about the Philadelphia Mural
special subject areas such me thinking about a way in which Arts Program and its incredible suc-as music and publicity could cess as a citywide beautification
sports. As an These murals allow the public be generated effort. Graffiti-covered buildings had
art teacher a glimpse into the concerns of for students been selected for the program, ulti-with more than involved with mately becoming large canvases for
twenty years of the middle school child and the the visual arts. artists’ work. Eyesores were trans-experience in world in which they live. Our middle formed and magnificent paintings
public schools, school had the were created. This metamorphosis
I am keenly aware of the dispropor- customary Art and Crafts Club, a Set instilled a sense of pride and accom-tionate amount of publicity given Design Club for the school musical, plishment in both the artists and the
to those other programs. A solitary and also a Graphics Arts Club. Paren- neighborhood residents. The mural-art student, working independently, tal support was really still quite painting process involved people
does not benefit from either the minimal for all of these activities. working towards a common goal and
