Please go to The American LOVE Project website and register as a participant in the project.
theamericanloveproject.org
This allows you to have access to all the free project resources. �It allows us to make your art searchable in the online gallery which opens on September 21, 2021.
to make genuine, positive, social change
the creative human spirit
give voice to
uplift,
Awaken,
29 PIECES USES ART TO:
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Sometimes it helps to look at a chart like this to even know what we are feeling.
OBJECTIVES OF THE AMERICAN LOVE PROJECT
�1. LEARN HISTORY of the Dallas and Grand Prairie LOVE Projects.
2. UNDERSTAND the meanings of the word LOVE.
3. APPRECIATE the history of your town or city.
4. FEEL COMPASSION and EMPATHY about the issues we face in today’s world.�5. GET INSPIRED about the power of art to ignite positive social change.�6. SHARE The American LOVE Project Lesson.�7. CREATE Art that will be displayed on the American LOVE Project online gallery, in your school, community and in Washington D.C.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
29 Pieces conceived the Dallas LOVE Project to honor the legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Following the president’s assassination in 1963, Dallas was labeled by some as a “City of Hate.”
In 2013, through the Dallas LOVE Project, 29 Pieces brought artists together to express the idea that Dallas is a city where LOVE thrives.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
67 EXHIBIT VENUES
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ONLINE Gallery: Dallas LOVE Project. Dallasloveproject.org
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Grand Prairie ISD, TX did the LOVE Project district wide.
Midland-Odessa and Lubbock, TX also did the LOVE Project
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
LOVE REPAIRS AND HEALS the divides that separate us and keep us from working together to solve urgent problems in our country and world.
THE IDEALS contained in founding documents and laws of the United States of America challenge us to create a more just country for all.
ART HAS THE POWER to awaken and educate hearts, uplift our voices and make positive social change.
WORDS OF A GREATER LOVE from great philosophers, artists, musicians, poets and peacemakers speak through time and remind us of the spark of love in each of us.
The American LOVE Project is built on four pillars.
1.
2.
3.
4.
LOVE
1. FIRST PILLAR: LOVE Repairs and Heals
�
What does it mean to you?
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
�The dictionary meaning of LOVE:
�A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection �for someone or something. A virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion and affection.����� ���
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Sometimes it helps to look at a chart like this to even know what we are feeling.
But ancient cultures had 3 or more words to describe different kinds of LOVE.
Here are 3 words the Greeks used.
Agápe: Unconditional love for one another. To will good for others.
Éros: intimate or romantic love.
Philia: friendship, usually between equals.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
For the American LOVE Project, we’ll make art focused�on AGAPE, �the bigger kind of LOVE.
We’ll use �quotes about this bigger LOVE from great artists, peacemakers, musicians, �and writers.
�We ask you to use one of their quotes for the subject of your art.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
We’ll learn how letters can be decorated and become works of art.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Then we ask you to create your message of LOVE.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
The ideals in the Declaration of Independence and the preamble to the US Constitution spoke into being the dream of a nation based on equality and justice.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
2. SECOND PILLAR: the IDEALS STATED IN FOUNDING DOCUMENTS AND LAWS OF THE USA
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“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
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“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
PREAMBLE TO THE U.S.CONSTITUTION
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“It's because being American is more �than a pride we inherit,�it's the past we step into�and how we repair it.”
— Amanda Gorman, US Youth Poet Laureate
Have we achieved these ideals in our country?
What difficult issues impact our nation, �and will benefit by our love and efforts to work together to repair them?
Feeling safe in school.
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Protecting the environment
Bias, prejudice, racism.
DACA and immigration
American Indian nation’s �tribal sovereignty.
1.5 million students in the USA are homeless.
Gender Issues
Inequities in health care
If you would like to add history of your community or issues concerning your students,�here is a model to follow.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Grand Prairie Independent School District was established in 1902
Founded as a cattle and farming community, Grand Prairie was established on Jan 2, 1863. The town was called Grand Prairie, because the railroad called the area the “Grand Prairie” between Dallas and Fort Worth.
Change the facts and the picture but the keep same layout
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
South Grand Prairie High School was built in 1969 with an enrollment of 448 students. Today there are about 3500 students
Grand Prairie High School was first built in 1951 and remodeled in 1990. There are more than 3100 students at GPHS.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
When John F. Kennedy campaigned for the 1960 presidential election, Grand Prairie was one of his stops.
Change the facts and the picture but the keep same layout
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Democracy is fragile.
On January 6, 2021, a violent event occurred at our nation’s Capitol which sought to disrupt the democratic transfer of power in the United States.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
JANUARY 6, 2021
VIOLENCE AT THE
UNITED STATES CAPITOL,
WASHINGTON D.C.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Many people are willing to peacefully take a stand to ask America to live up to the ideals as promised in the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution and US laws.
What are some ways to do that ?
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Here are just a few ideas:
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Peaceful Demonstrations
ART IS OUR STRATEGY�TO OPEN AND HEAL HEARTS, EXPRESS AND GIVE LOVE, AND CHALLENGE OUR COUNTRY TO LIVE UP TO ITS IDEALS.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
3. THIRD PILLAR: The POWER OF ART TO REPAIR AND HEAL
How can we – as artists - work together to build �a nation that shows more LOVE?
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Frederick Douglass plants the seed of how we can begin to think about using art to act and channel our powers:��“Poets, prophets and reformers are all picture makers—and this ability is the secret of their power and of their achievements. They see what ought to be by the reflection of what is, and endeavor to remove the contradiction.” �— Frederick Douglass (1817-1895), abolitionist, orator, newspaper publisher, from his Lecture on Pictures, delivered in 1861� �
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Here are artists who inspire us by using art to bring attention to social justice issues.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
“It is an artist’s duty to be a part �of the social change and to create work that responds to the change.”�— Ai Weiwei, artist �
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Ai Weiwei is a Chinese multi-media artist and political activist.
He has become a symbol for human rights in China.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
�
JAUNE QUICK-TO-SEE-SMITH, (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation) “Trade (Gifts for Trading Land with White People)” 1992. She combines appropriated imagery from commercial slogans and signage, art history and personal narratives to create a visual language for her socio-political commentary. Her work draws from a Native worldview and comments on American Indian identity, histories of oppression, and environmental issues.
ELIZABETH CATLETT, (1915 - 2012), American and Mexican graphic artist and sculptor, is best known for her depictions of African American experience in the 20th century, giving voice to the enduring dignity and strength of Black women and men. She expanded the idea of what is “acceptable subject matter” in art by exploring the personal and political.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
�KERRY JAMES MARSHALL explores issues of identity and African-American �history in his paintings.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
CORITA (1918-1986) was an artist, educator and advocate for social justice who used pop art imagery, poetry and cultural quotes to create messages of hope.
�SHEPARD FAIREY, “We the People” 2017. Posters created highlighting Black, Muslim and Latina women for the 2017 inauguration and women’s march.�
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
YOLANDA LOPEZ, “Portrait of the Artist as the Virgin of Guadalupe” 1978.
Lopez explores and reimagines representations of women within Chicano/a/x culture and society at large.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
GUERILLA GIRLS are anonymous feminist activist artists.
They wear gorilla masks in public and use facts, humor and outrageous visuals to expose gender and ethnic bias.�They call themselves the conscience of the art world.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Judy and Karen think about transition here. Now - to prepare for MAKING�AMERICAN LOVE PROJECT ART, let’s reflect on YOUR thoughts on LOVE.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
How have you used the word LOVE in the last few days? ����� ���
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
LOVE
For the American LOVE Project, we are talking about AGAPE LOVE.
Remind us what that is.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
1. What are some of the emotions we feel when we have love in our heart?
2. What are some ways that you can show LOVE?
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
This BIGGER LOVE is more than just what we sense with our eyes or tummy. We’re talking about the LOVE we feel in our hearts and want to share with others.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
The BIG LOVE might be for our pets.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Or the BIG LOVE might be for parents, siblings,
or friends.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
The BIG LOVE might be for the world around us –the oceans, the sky, the earth,�the environment, our country.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
��We ask you to use a quote in your art from the list we are providing you. ��Here are some thoughts �about LOVE from a great �artist, musician, peacemaker, and poet.���
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
4th PILLAR: WORDS OF A GREATER LOVE THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME
�Vincent �Van Gogh 1853-1890
Van Gogh is recognized as one of the greatest artists of all time.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
�“The more I think �it over, the more I �feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to �Love People.”��— Vincent Van Gogh
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Alicia Keys
Born 1981
Alicia Keys is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, pianist, and actress.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
�“Love will come find you just to remind you of who you are."��— Alicia Keys
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Mahatma Gandhi
1869-1948
Gandhi was a peaceful leader who used non-violence to lead the people of India to independence.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Gandhi said:�“Where there is �Love there is Life.”��Question:�What happens in �life when there �isn’t love? �
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Maya Angelou
1928-2014
Maya Angelou was �an internationally known American poet, writer, and �civil rights activist.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination, �full of hope.”
— Maya Angelou
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
These quotes about LOVE from ancient and contemporary visionaries uplift us with their positive power.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
�Choose a quote from our list that inspires YOU. ��Your art will be on a square format. �Plan a color combination that expresses your feelings.�����
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
The letters in the words of your quote are part of your art form.��How can your letters be expressive?
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
You can decorate letters with animal, plant, �or abstract forms, as shown.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Cut letters out of magazines.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Make up your own cut paper alphabet!
Letters and decorative elements can be drawn in ink, colored pencils and markers.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
USE YOUR HANDWRITING as a design element.
Your art can be done digitally. This piece was created in Photoshop.
You can also use the free app Tayasui Sketches!
tayasui.com
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Select a quote about LOVE from the quotes by great peacemakers, visionaries, poets and musicians we’ve given you. ��Your art should be square.
Do a few small sketches with pencil to figure out how you will incorporate the quote into your design. ���
STEP ONE
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
�Choose your SQUARE background paper and materials. Design your message of LOVE with a decorated quote about LOVE on it. It helps to plan how you will use the letters. �Make your art!
STEP TWO
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
When finished, take time to share your art with your group or class.
Listen quietly and respectfully as others talk about their choices in their art. ��
STEP THREE
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
1. GO TO THEAMERICANLOVEPROJECT.ORG, click on ‘How to Participate’ and REGISTER for an account on The American LOVE Project. Then download our library of lesson resources. On your participant dashboard, you will have access to our American LOVE Project presentation, LOVE quotes and other materials you will need.
2. CREATE ART. Across the nation, people will make art inspired by The American LOVE Project Lesson.
3. PHOTOGRAPH ART. See our tips on the website for taking a great photo of art.
4. SUBMIT ART for our online gallery. Watch for submissions to open soon.
5. COMMUNITY EXHIBITS across the nation. Beginning in January 2022, please consider exhibits of LOVE art in your school and community. Watch for our suggestions on how to easily do an exhibit.
� �
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Please go to The American LOVE Project website and register as a participant in the project.
theamericanloveproject.org
This allows you to have access to all the free project resources. �It allows us to make your art searchable in the online gallery which opens on September 21, 2021.
FOUR PROJECT SUPPLEMENTS� Social and Emotional learning � Native American Land Acknowledgement
Additional Social Justice Artists
Grand Prairie LOVE Project
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
�1. Social and Emotional learning
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Here’s one of the most difficult challenges:
HOW CAN WE SHOW LOVE TO OURSELVES AND ONE ANOTHER NO MATTER HOW COMPLEX LIFE IS?
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
It helps to understand how to process complex feelings and emotions in our heart and mind and in others.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Charts like this help us figure out our feelings.
And there are counselors, teachers and friends we can talk to about our complex feelings.
Pick out a couple of emotions on this sheet and make faces with your neighbor.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Model good citizenship and demonstrate core values.
Before I leave for school, I greet my neighbors with a friendly “Hello” or Good Morning!”
If I see someone in need, I offer my help, even if they don’t ask for it.
I always say ‘Please’ if I ask to borrow something that doesn’t belong to me. And I say ‘Thank You’ when returning it to the owner.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
PRACTICE LOVE AND KINDNESS�STARTING WITH OURSELVES.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
We can make a better world if we:
1. SUPPORT each other, so that we can all thrive.
2. ENCOURAGE people to BE LOVE.
3. SEE injustice and TAKE ACTION to have a positive impact on our nation.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
2. Native American Land Acknowledgement
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
2. Native American Land Acknowledgement Resources
For more information about Native American Land Acknowledgements:
For more information about how the Haudensaunee Confederacy influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution:
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/resources/Haudenosaunee-Guide-for-Educators
https://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf�/hconres331.pdf
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Fritz Scholder (Luiseno, 1937-2005) was a painter, printmaker and educator. His work challenged stereotypical representations of Native Americans and he was extremely influential in shaping a more contemporary approach to capturing Native American experience. He raised critical questions about cultural identity and representation.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
BEN SHAHN
1898-1969, “Welders, For Full Employment After the War,” 1944
Shahn was an artist and Harvard Art Professor who explored, with empathy and compassion, modern urban life, immigration and injustice.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
The new documentary “CRIP CAMP: �A DISABILITY REVOLUTION,” �by Nicole Newman and James LeBrecht traces the beginnings of the Disability Rights Movement and the activists who fought for equal access and equal rights in jobs, education, transportation, and housing.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
MAYA LIN, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 1981–82. Washington, D.C.
The memorial created a new art form for shared memory, grief and reconciliation.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
TYREE GUYTON, Detroit, Michigan, established The Heidelberg Project, to transform neighborhoods with public art and community gatherings and to create a living indoor/outdoor art museum.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
4. Grand Prairie LOVE Project Samples �and Installations
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
In 2018, GPISD Fine Arts was awarded a $10,000 grant from Teaching Tolerance/Southern Poverty Law Center. GPISD art teachers launched the Grand Prairie LOVE Project with 29 Pieces Executive Artistic Director and Founder Karen Blessen. Art students and teachers made over 3000 LOVE paintings, drawings and collages that were displayed in Grand Prairie, TX in 2019.
@grandprairieloveproject
Grand Prairie LOVE Project Opening Reception
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
Grand Prairie ISD art students created messages of love and support for the students and teachers in El Paso,TX after the shootings in August, 2019.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD
More LOVE in the new year: calendars, stickers and postcards for 2021.
ARTISTS MAKING A KINDER WORLD