Lesson Plans by Theme: The Artist & Society

Wood as a Material (pdf download)–Level: Grades 4-8
“ The wood is existential. It is the way the tree wanted to grow in that particular environment… It knows how to grow as a tree better than you do.” – Leroy Setziol

For most of his career Setziol has used wood for his sculptures. Students will spend time thinking about wood as a material –How do tree species differ? How do trees grow? What affects the way a tree grows?

Oregon Standards Connection: Life Science (Organisms, Diversity/Independence)

Comparing Carvers (pdf download)–Level: Grades 4-6
“ Destiny is the combination of historical circumstances and your own talents, and your ability to pursue your talents.” – Leroy Setziol

After reading a fictional story about an ivory carver, students will compare him to Setziol. This comparison will lead to a conversation about natural resources and how good stewardship of those resources may affect choices you make as an artist. Students will also have an opportunity to practice using mistakes or flaws in their creative process.

Oregon Standards Connection: Life Science (Diversity/Independence), Earth & Space Science (The Dynamic Earth), Social Sciences (Geography), English/Language Arts (Reading), Art (Create, Present, Perform)

Business vs. Relationship (pdf download)–Level: Grades 5-10
“ I don’t think of woodcarving as a business… If someone likes my work then we have a communication” –Leroy Setziol

Students will explore what it means to live as an artist, through looking at the artist and their lifestyle, the meaning and experience of creating a work of art, and the relationship between public art and the surrounding environment. Activities include using technology, journal writing, discussion, drawing, and visiting public works of art.

Oregon Standards Connection: Social Sciences (Economics), English/Language Arts (Writing), Art (Aesthetics & Art Criticism, Historical & Cultural Perspectives, Create, Present, Perform)

Regionality vs. Universality (pdf download)–Level: Grades 5-10
“ If it’s difficult it’s going to be beautiful, if it’s beautiful it’s going to be difficult”
“ You don’t arrive at designs by sitting in a corner and waiting for inspiration”
–Leroy Setziol

How does woodcarving compare in different places and times? Students will look at the development of woodcarving over time, comparing woodcarving with regional architecture, and Oregon’s environmental history. Activities include discussing/critiquing art, analyzing timelines, and using technology.

Oregon Standards Connection: Social Sciences (Geography, Social Science Analysis), English/Language Arts (Writing), Art (Aesthetics & Art Criticism, Historical & Cultural Perspectives)

Immigration and Community (pdf download)–Level: Grades 5-10
“ You start with very little, or nothing, and you take it from there. One stroke leads to another.” –Leroy Setziol

Students will investigate immigration history, the Depression, the idea of “starting with little or nothing”, and the idea of the “cooperative enterprise” as defined by Setziol. Activities include using technology, discussion, creating an immigration timeline, family interviews, and creating a work of art for the school community.

Oregon Standards Connection: Social Sciences (Geography, Social Science Analysis), English/Language Arts (Writing), Art (Aesthetics & Art Criticism, Historical & Cultural Perspectives, Create, Present, Perform)