The First Civilizations - Baby's First Year

CHAPTER 1
Name Date Class
CITIZENSHIP AND SERVICE LEARNING ACTIVITY 1 (continued)
Brainstorming a Mural
Painter Aaron Douglas
(1898–1979) was a major African American
artist. He was known for painting indoor
murals in public buildings. His best-known
works were painted on the walls of a branch
of the New York City Library.
Your Task
Your task is to brainstorm ideas for a
mural in your community. First, decide
where you would like to place the mural.
Then, decide on the subject. You will
make lists of people from whom you
might need permissions, funding,
and assistance. You will end up with
a proposal.
How to Do It
1. Consider the purpose of the mural. Is
it for sheer entertainment? Will it
reflect local history? Is it for inspiration
or unity?
Follow-Up Activity
What location and subject did you
pick for your mural? Was it difficult
or easy to decide on a location? How
about a subject? Why? Explore the
possibility of actually implementing
your mural proposal. Make a “to do”
list and a “to buy” list for the project.
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2. Brainstorm ideas for where to place a
mural in your community. Think of
indoor and outdoor locations. Think
of public buildings and businesses.
3. Next, brainstorm ideas for the artwork
on the mural itself. The subject
of the mural will depend both on its
purpose and its location.
4. Now, make a list of people who
might help you pay for the mural.
Consider arts organizations, schools,
and businesses.
5. Who will you need to get permission
from to paint the mural?
6. Who will paint the mural?
7. Write up your plan. State the purpose,
the location, the subject of the
art, how you will try to fund it, who
you will need permission from, and
who will paint the mural.
HOW TO BRAINSTORM
1. Select one member of your group to write
down the ideas. Write the ideas where
everyone can see them, if possible.
2. Begin calling out ideas. Respect one another’s
right to speak, and wait for your turn.
3. Do not judge the ideas. Some ideas may
seem silly or impossible. The goal is to generate
as many ideas as possible.
4. When your group runs out of ideas, evaluate
them. Each idea should be discussed.
You may also categorize them.
5. Circle ideas that seem especially promising.
Cross out ideas that are not feasible. Try to
reach agreement on just one idea.
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