Going on an Art Adventure

Field studies are a great way for students to get out of the classroom environment and see and experience what they would not otherwise have the chance to.  A typical art field study would be to an art museum, which is a great way to students to see art that they have discussed in class, but I would like my students to be able to be in an interactive environment.  I believe that the Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, NC would be an excellent place to take my students on an art field study.  Why a Renaissance festival?  Because this event hosts a vast artisan market that contains shops and working studios of all studies and disciplines that students could observe and explore.  For example:

Glass art, 

Blacksmithing and metalwork,

Ceramics,

leather working, weaving, candle making, henna, and many more, with the complete list at: http://www.carolina.renfestinfo.com/artisan-marketplace/.  

Students would be required to observe at least 3 different demonstrations and write short reports (2-3 paragraphs) on the processes, as well as visit at least 4 different shops or booths and write short reports (1-2 paragraphs) about the craft of the work, its function, and how it would be considered art.  This trip would address the following standards:

VAHS 2-3.1, 3-3.1, 4-3.1

Explore the sources of the subject matter and the ideas in a variety of works of visual art.

VAHS 2-4.1, 3-4.1, 4-4.1

Describe ways that the subject matter, symbols, ideas, and technologies in various artworks are related to history and culture.

VAHS 2-4.3, 3-4.3, 4-4.3

Describe and discuss the function and meaning of specific artworks from various world cultures and historical periods.

VAHS 2-6.3, 3-6.3, 4-6.3

Identify specific visual arts careers and describe the knowledge and skills that one needs for these careers.

The fair is held on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall and is two hours away by interstate.  This trip would be held on a Saturday and would require a tour bus, which limits the number of students who can attend.  Students would have to be in an upper-level art class and have a good disciplinary standing to attend this trip.  Those who do get to attend will have the chance to experience different careers in the art field and the use of different materials and processes in the creation of art work.