Careers in Art from A to Z.

A poster titled "What Is the Work of Art" lists careers in the field of art alphabetically from A-Z. There are over 160 possible choices . . . and choices are just what children need. For our annual spring art show, I decided to have each child pick a career from the poster, research it, write a report, and then work in that field with a professional for a day.

I made a copy of the poster for every student and encouraged them to choose an art career from the list. Initially, we took the entire forty-five minute class period to discuss each career. I gave the students two weeks to decide on the career they wanted to research. The report would be graded on four areas: content, craftsmanship, drawing of occupation, and timely completion. A notice went home to parents explaining the project, the requirements, and the deadlines. Parent involvement was encouraged since most of the project was to be completed outside the classroom.

The students were immediately responsive when they learned those that successfully completed the initial report would have the opportunity to be teamed with a professional artist in their chosen career. Finding artists who would give freely of their time and talents to work with my students was not as difficult as I expected.

My goal was to find a career and an artist for each letter of the alphabet so students could incorporate their work into the annual art show. I had already decided that the show would be called "Careers in Art from A-Z." After I secured a professional for each career chosen by the students, I explained to the artists that they would be receiving a telephone call from one or more students. I wanted each child to practice the art of using the telephone correctly.

Yearly Art Show

The students were to meet their artist before the end of February so there would be ample time to complete projects for the show, which was scheduled for Youth Art Month. Our shows are more than exhibits; they are always performance-based. The students conduct, demonstrate, and act as curators for their own show. Each year, we use a different theme. "Careers in Art" just seemed to be right this year.

As art show time approached, we began the preparations. We placed large two-foot letters of the alphabet in order around the walls of the school. The students who reported on aerial photography would be under the A and basket weaving under B and so on.

Participating in the Show

On the day before the show, students and parents came to set up their displays. Each child mounted pictures telling a story of their experience in the field. Each area also had a table for books relating to their subject. Simple demonstrations were encouraged. A couple of the professional artists stopped by to help with the display.

Finally, the evening of the show arrived. The culmination of nearly a year's work was revealed as the entire school paraded by each child doing a demonstration and telling her or his story of a job with an artist for a day. The children really got into it. Many dressed in costumes that related to their field.

Improving Skills

This art unit demonstrated and reinforced a multitude of skills: research, writing, telephone etiquette, public speaking, self-esteem, career awareness, and appreciation for their artist's craft. The public relations between student, school, and business community were tremendous.

Parents were the key to making this project work. It's surprising what can be done once the ball gets rolling. We even had professionals that met with the students at school because of transportation problems. The knowledge gained was invaluable, and the awareness of the many occupations in art-related fields amazed both students and adults. These children developed relationships with role models that may last a lifetime.

Cynthia K. Hinkle is an art instructor at Greensboro Elementary School in Greensboro, Maryland.