Art from Her Heart:  Folk Artist Clementine Hunter by Kathy Whitehead and Shane W. Evans, ill.  NY:  G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2008.

     ISBN 978-0-399-24219-9

Biography of Clementine Hunter, self-taught African American painter, who used left-behind and found materials to paint with, became renowned, even though she was not allowed to visit the galleries where her artwork hung.

Illustrations:  Mixed Media

Themes:  African American History, Biography, Folk Art

Curricular Connection:  Teaching history through art techniques, students can be instructed to create artwork using only found objects, first looking at examples of Clementine Hunter's paintings.

Literary Device-Repetition:  The theme from Art from Her Heart, the story of African American artist Clementing Hunter, is pursuing your own passions, regardless of seemingly overwhelming obstacles.  Hunter, never let the color of her skin stop her from creating her art.  She used whatever supplies she could find, painted where she was, and she didn't wait for the perfect time to show her paintings, even though she was not allowed in the galleries where they hung.  Throughout this theme is book is expressed over and over again with the word "wait".  "Clementine waited until her work at the BIg House was done", "But she didn't wait for the perfect set of paints" "she didn't wait for the perfect art studio" and finally, "The art that pour from Clementine's heart and mind gives us a window to her life on the plantation.  A window we would have missed if Clementine Hunter had waited for the perfect time to paint".

Lesson Plan:

Audience:  All ages

Topic:  Art

Prior to reading the story, students will be asked to bring in "found objects".  Teacher will give a list of ideas (paint, wood, buttons, cloth, yarn, metal, etc.), but encourage students to come up with their own.  No instructions will be given as to their eventual use.  Teacher will also bring in additional items to supplement. 

Teacher will read the story and discuss how Clementine Hunter, had to create her art with just "found items".  Students will then be asked to do the same, using only the supplies that have previously gathered.  Finished artwork will be displayed for all to view.  Additionally, students can be asked to name their artwork and write a short statement about their creative process.

4Q/4P

ggolden 7/04/09