HUMANITIES SUMMER PROJECT 2015-2016
Assignment #l:
l. Select either PILLARS OF THE EARTH by Ken Follett or THE AGONY AND THE ECSTACY by Irving Stone. Read the
novel and be ready for a test the first week of school.
2. While reading, keep important factual information – a “family tree” of characters, a plotline to keep track of
important events, etc. On the Internet, look up some information about the author and the historical setting of the
story.
Assignment #2:
It has been said that “art is a mirror.” This is certainly true when applied to the history of the world. Art reflects the
ideas, the spirit, and the hopes of past civilizations. It helps us define who we are, where we have been, and where
we are headed. With this in mind, we have created a summer art “opportunity” for you. This experience will
hopefully begin your personal growth with art – a key element of our study of the Humanities!
Assignment: Visit an art museum. It can be one in the Seattle-Tacoma area or one on your summer travels. So, get
a group of people together and enjoy! In order to have an authentic, rich experience, make sure you spend at least
an hour at the museum, preferably more.
Hint: First of all, keep in mind that LESS IS MORE. Do a quick reconnaissance of the museum, then choose a few
things to see and spend time with. Also, keep reminding yourself that this object you are looking at is the REAL
THING, not a copy. Note its size, its color, the materials used. If you REALLY like it, come back to it an hour later, and
try to discover more. Ask yourself, why was this made? For whom? Also, tolerate a little ambiguity. Art is
mysterious – that’s its appeal. Go with that; it makes everyone with a soul and a pulse a legitimate interpreter, on
some level or other. Another thing…remember to EAT. No kidding. Looking at art is exhausting. Most museums have
food facilities nearby. Take advantage of them! Better to take a break before or during – then return refreshed.
Finally, experiment with group size – treat yourself to some time alone. It’s good to have a friend to talk stuff over
with, but we highly recommend those stolen moments alone – just YOU, the object, and mystery. Those moments,
when they are working right, can serve to “increase your energy of spirit,” as art guru Kenneth Clark would say.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT:
Step One: Select a piece of art to reflect upon. It could be something you love or something you don’t understand
or something that you don’t consider art at all. Sketch the artwork on a 3x5 or 4x6 card. On the back include the
title, artist, date, and medium (oil on canvas, etc.).
Step Two: Written Reflection. Your response should be 1 ½ - 2 pages in length; typed, 12 pt. font/Times New
Roman. Include the following:
Paragraph #l: Information
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Date and time of day attended (Staple entry ticket to the front of this reflection)
How long did you stay?
Were you tired? Were you in a hurry? Were you distracted by someone/something else? Did you
leave feeling JAZZED? DISAPPOINTED? Somewhere in the middle?
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Did you go alone? With a friend? With a group? Did you decide to split up and explore separately or
did you travel in a rugby scrum? Did you find pieces of art to argue about? (Yes, is good!) And if so,
explain. By discussing the pieces together and pooling impressions, did you find out new things that
you might not have discovered alone? If you were alone, did you prefer this method? Why? Why not?
Paragraph #2: Describe what you see…
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Include in this paragraph the title, artist, date, and medium
What drew you to select this piece of art?
What did you notice first in the art? Why?
What objects or people do you see? Is the painting’s organization symmetrical or asymmetrical?
What colors do you see?
What shapes can you find in the art?
What lines do you see? Horizontal, vertical, diagonal?
Paragraph #3: Analyze the art…
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How would you describe the light? Are there contrasts of light and dark? Are they subtle or sharp?
How is the composition organized? What is the center of interest? How does the artist draw your
attention to the center of interest?
Is the artwork real or abstract?
After you leave this artwork, what will you remember most about it? Does it serve any purpose to you?
Paragraph #4: Judge the art…
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What changes, if any, would you make to the artwork? Why? Why not?
What decisions did the artist make that you agree with?
Does the artwork communicate to you any major ideas, themes, or feelings?
In other words, do you feel the artist was successful? Why? Why not?
Due: First day of school
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In the following order, staple the ticket (or other proof you were there), the reflection, and the sketch
Length: 1 ½ - 2 pages – single spaced; 12 font
Proofread: no comma splices (commas at the end of complete sentences)
Museums
Chihuly Glass Museum www.chihulygardenandglass.com/
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Seattle Center
305 Harrison St, (206) 753-4940
Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 9pm; Friday & Saturday, 10am – 10pm
Frye Art Museum www.fryemuseum.org
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First Hill, Seattle
704 Terry, (206) 622-9250
Always free!
Open Tuesday – Saturday - 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5 p.m.
Henry Art Gallery www.henryart.org
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University of Washington campus
15th Ave NE and NE 41st St
(206) 543-2280
Free on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Museum of Glass www.museumofglass.org
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Downtown Tacoma
1801 Dock St, Tacoma, (866) 468-7386
Free on the third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Seattle Art Museum Downtown www.seattleartmuseum.org
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Downtown Seattle
1300 First Ave, (206) 654-3100
First Thursday of each month: free to all
Second Friday of each month, 5–9 pm: free to teens with ID
Seattle Asian Art Museum www.seattleartmuseum.org
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Volunteer Park, Capitol Hill, Seattle
1400 E Prospect, (206) 654-3100
Suggested fee: $7 Adult; $5 Student (with ID)
First Thursday of each month: free to all
Second Thursday of each month, 5–9 pm: free to all
Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle Art Museum)
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2901 Western Avenue, Seattle
Always free! Open 365 days a year!
Opens 30 minutes prior to sunrise. Closes 30 minutes after sunset
Tacoma Art Museum www.tacomaartmuseum.org
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Downtown Tacoma
1701 Pacific, Tacoma, (253) 272-4258
Free on the third Thursday of the month from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
MATERIALS FOR THE CLASS
Have in class on the FIRST day.
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3-ring binder – at least 2” rings
Notebook paper or hard-bound composition book for notes
One package of dividers
Pencils; pens