These lesson plans for art projects were developed by Karen Schaschwary Brinker, an artist and art educator in Normal, IL. She strives to reach each student’s unique needs, and igniting the creative brain while strengthening student confidence and appreciation for community. Her curriculum has a careful balance of lessons where students practice techniques and learn the process of gathering and applying ideas, along with lessons that are student-directed (choice-based). Through her teaching practice she hopes to supply students with the basic skills they need to learn independently and trust their creative abilities.
If you have a lesson plan based on work by an Illinois woman artist, please let IWA share it with other educators.
HIGH SCHOOL (grades 9-12)
Two-Point Perspective of Buildings in an Urban Landscape (inspired by Ethel Spears)
developed by Karen Schaschwary Brinker
Ethel Spears, (1903-1974)
Weehawkin Street New York, 1935
oil on canvas
ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 5-8)
Collaborative Landscape Mural
(inspired by Frances Badger)
developed by Karen Schaschwary Brinker
Frances Badger (1904-1997)
Treasure Island, 1935-1938
mural
Oak Park Historical Society
Frances Badger (1904-1997)
Autumn in Illinois, 1936
tempera on panel
Illinois State Museum
ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 5-8)
Printing Patterns (inspired by Fritzi Brod)
developed by Karen Schaschwary Brinker
Fritz Brod(1900-1952)
In the Workshop, 1937
woodcut
Koehnline Museum of Art
Fritz Brod (1900-19522)
Peasant Woman at Prayer, circa 1937
oil on canvas
Vanderpoel Art Museum
EARLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (grades K-4)
Animals and Line (inspired by Hester Miller)
developed by Karen Schaschwary Brinker
Hester Miller Murray (1903-1984)
Giraffes Among the Trees, circa 1934
tempera on panel
Western Illinois University Art Gallery
Hester Miller Murray (1903-1984)
Zebras and Trees, circa 1934
watercolor and tempera
Western Illinois University Art Gallery