Friday, October 10, 2008

Ex Voto: Miss Frida

Two days a week, I teach art and culture to 1st through 6th graders. During this semester, we'll cover a total of four different cultures. The first one we learned about was Native Americans. Then we moved to Mexico. While studying our unit on Mexico, I told the kids about Ex Votos (thanks paintings), and about their significance in Mexican culture.

I've learned that the best way to get the kids started on a project is to do one myself. So, for our "Mexico project," I created this Ex Voto to share with the class.

Ex Voto: Miss Frida, Crayon and Sharpie Marker, 12" x 9"

The kids in my class come from a varitey of backgrounds (and religions), so I try to "neutralize" each project as much as possible. For my Ex Voto, I left out the requisite diety (or saint), and just expressed thanks for my adorable little sidekick, Miss Frida.

I had so much fun with this project, that I created a second one . . . which ISN'T pictured here, because it's a gift for my Mom, and I don't want her to see it before she's able to receive it via U.S. Mail. Perhaps I'll post it later, though . . .

2 comments:

Celeste LeTard Williams said...

I love this! I am also a teacher and want to incorporate art into my reading and language arts classes. I "collect" ex voto paintings online as story starters. I agree about being careful with the saints, etc. It's not my students I worry about - most of them are Mexican. It's the school board!

Robin Jamison Hernandez said...

Thanks so much for your comments, Celeste.

It's hard to teach (and learn!) about a culture without at least touching on the spiritual nature of the people. I think we all need to loosen up a bit, huh?

I checked out your blog (and left a comment!), and just have to say that I'm with you: I LOVE using crayons! :)