Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

In this critical literacy and artist workshop, participants are invited to create art that can portray one aspect of their lives. Based on semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, the participants will realize that art can be used to communicate, learn diverse perspectives, and promote social justice. The workshop starts with introducing theories (e.g., Charles Pearson, Hillary Janks, Games Gee, Jerome Harste, etc) and moves on to watching video clips of artists and authors (e.g., Bryan Collier, Eric Carle, and Jacob Lawrence) to learn their beliefs and techniques. Next, using simple art materials such as crayons, paper, scissors, and glue, the participants can choose an image(s) as a metaphor for where they have been and who they want to be (e.g., place, identity, community, etc). For example, the participants can start with a common experience such as Seoul (where the workshop takes place) or school to define who they have been in the context and what they can achieve from there. The workshop will be wrapped up with discussions on the created artworks and the meanings behind them. A song that can accompany the art will be chosen if appropriate. While this workshop is more geared to teachers and educators, all are invited.