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Art and Life of William H. Johnson: A Guide for Teachers
Lessons
Introduction
Take your students on a journey through the cotton patches of the rural South, the city streets of Harlem, and the training camps of World War II as you explore the artistic development of American artist William H. Johnson. An expatriate during the 1930s, Johnson returned to New York in 1938, on the eve of World War II. His return was prompted partly by the impending war, but also because he felt the need to paint "my own people." Johnson understood the importance of cultural roots in formulating an authentic, self-locating artistic expression.
Teaching materials for William H. Johnson's life and work include the booklet Art and Life of William H. Johnson: A Guide for Teachers (our online guide offers all four lessons given in the booklet), the twenty-five minute video The Life and Art of William H. Johnson, and eight 11 x 14 inch color prints. You can purchase these materials from the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
You can use these materials regardless of your specialty. The multidisciplinary approach will help students identify the artistic elements in Johnson's work as well as explore the connections between his art and the cultural milieu of World War II America.
Suggestions for preparing lesson plans include the following:
Familiarize yourself with Johnson and the works of art by reviewing the background information and descriptions of the works.
Show prints of the works to your students or allow time for them to look at the paintings on the computer.
Guide your students by asking questions; allow for "think time" and class discussion.
Consider pairing students for various projects.
Ask students to undertake the suggested projects, or you may adapt them to the needs of your class.
We hope this guide will lead your students to an appreciation and understanding of the art and career of William H. Johnson through stimulating discussions of his art and the times in which he lived.