"Be the Change" Paintings

 7th grade students began this unit by discussing whether or not art has the power to change the world. They looked at the work of artists such as Ai Wei Wei, Banksy, and Barbara Kruger. They then discussed how their art raises awareness of various social injustices. Students were asked how they could create a painting that would cause the viewer to contemplate a specific issue that is important to them. Students researched a topic related to something that they wish they could change.  They then created a painting that was related to their chosen topic which allowed the opportunity for powerful classroom dialogue.