Explore an overview of basic glass techniques as an introduction to this material. Hands-on projects include fusing and slumping (bending), flamework and introductory glassblowing. Those new to glass discover the technical aspects of working in both the hot and cold shops and discuss types of glass to use, the compatibilities of glass, annealing schedules and using sheet glass with powdered frit. Content applicable to K-12 classrooms, particularly to expand knowledge of 3-D concepts. Open to all teachers with interest in glass, no previous experience required.

This class addresses advanced image making through printmaking media such as relief, monoprinting and collographs. Create images by drawing/painting directly on the plate or by working from a sketch. The creative process is analyzed at every point, with an emphasis on creating a series of thematic work. Techniques covered include printing with water-based inks and multiple colors as well as working with non-traditional presses that can be used in a variety of classroom settings. Prerequisite: (VPAS 526) Printmaking for the Classroom: Monoprinting, Introductory

The wave of Japanese woodblock prints that flooded into Paris in the 19th century brought new ways of seeing to Western art. This course examines the profound aspects of the Japanese influence on European art through the study of master artists and their techniques in both cultures. Key figures such as Hiroshige, Utamaro, Sesshu and Hokasai are considered for their contributions to the work of Monet, Cassatt, Degas, Manet, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec. The extensive Asian and French 19th century collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art serve as a central means of study. Course content applies to a range of subject areas, including visual arts, history, multicultural studies and the humanities at all grade levels. A visit to the Shofuso Japanese Teahouse in Fairmount Park is planned.

Featuring live music, hands-on activities and engaging exercises to use with students, this course focuses on the use of the digital archives of the Library of Congress to effectively and thoroughly plan, prepare and design lessons incorporating 20th century American music, particularly jazz and its influences, into the curriculum. Beginning with the digital archives, develop the ability to access musical resources to provide a multi-sensory approach to teaching historical content through a creative arts perspective. Participants are engaged in the exploration and appreciation of jazz music and the significance of jazz in American history and society - from tradition to innovation. K-8 teachers design a unit of study relevant to their interests and current classroom curricula, creating musical connections to American history and culture to enhance student learning.

Photography has always been a democratic medium and virtually anyone can make a photograph, but learning how to read images and understand what they tell us about ourselves and others is often overlooked. Participants learn how to use the digital archives of the Library of Congress to prepare lessons for the classroom that incorporate concepts of visual literacy. Participants examine how photography influences identity and how it can be used as a teaching tool in grades K-12. Course activities include field trips for an insider's look into local archives and museums and hands-on photographic projects. Content is appropriate for a range of subject areas as connections to social science, identity, expression and literacy are explored.

Of the 2,000 Works Progress Administration posters known to exist, the Library of Congress' collection is the largest. These striking silkscreen, lithograph and woodcut posters were designed to publicize health programs, cultural programs, theatrical and musical performances, travel, educational programs and community activities throughout the United States. The posters were made possible by one of the first U.S. Government programs to support the arts and were added to the Library's holdings in the 1940s. In this course, learn about the WPA and its mission as well as the connections to history, art, social science and visual literacy that can enrich your teaching. Participants learn about this time period, the power of design to communicate and how to use visual primary sources to engage students. Including hands-on printmaking and design studio exercises, mural tours, museum visits and more, use the digital archives of the Library of Congress to prepare lessons based on these powerful historic images. Content is appropriate to a range of subject areas as connections to social science, history, material processes and literacy are explored.