DESCRIPTION: Students act out a work of art while other students guess which work is being portrayed.

OBJECTIVES: Students analyze how elements work together to convey meaning an emotion. Most importantly the objective is to use their imaginations in learning the meaning of an artwork.

PROCEDURE: Let's divide into two groups: group A and group B. I would like each group to go to a different gallery and select a work of art to act out. Be sure to study carefully the composition of the work you select in order to decide how it can best be acted out. Each group will have five minutes to perfect their charade. When we reunite I would like group A to act out their selection. Watch closely, group B, and try to identify group A's work of art. As it is being acted out have group B identify ideas moods or things that they are reminded of by the charade. (When group B correctly identifies the work of art, proceed to group B's gallery and repeat the process.)

Let's discuss the elements that were enacted. Which elements were left out? Why? Were any elements of the work impossible to act out? Which ones were easiest?

MINNESOTA GRADUATION STANDARDS:
(1) Read, View, Listen
(2) Write and Speak
(3) Literature and the Arts

Age level: Appropriate for all ages.
Artworks used: Use abstract artworks.
Props needed: No props needed.
Related to Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: No
Notes: Can be done to isolate individual elements or can combine a variety as a concluding activity. The group will be split in two. For younger students, be sure to enlist aid of chaperone to supervise one of the groups.


© 1998 WALKER ART CENTER