Gain an appreciation for traditional and modern artists.
Make comparisons between different artists.

At the beginning of the project, early February, students select an artist’s name from a jar, we start with 64 artists. They then are given the task of researching their artist and completing an Artist Bio.

Next, they report back to their classmates with a short presentation, displaying examples of their artist’s artwork. Artists Bios are gathered into a binder – which is all student gathered research (an indispensable resource used throughout the year!).

Then the real fun begins. In true tournament style, artists go head to head (or paintbrush to paintbrush) in rounds of voting. After the first round, our 64 artists become 32, then 16, 8, 4, 2, and finally, we have a champion!

Often, traditional artists are paired with modern artists, painters with sculptors, abstract artists with realism artists. Students naturally make comparisons and discuss the artwork with incredible depth and understanding. It is quite a delight as an Art teacher to see students as young as 3rd grade carry on in depth conversations about some of our favorite artists.

ADDITIONAL INFO -
Here is some more info to answer questions. This is what I have found works for me, I do work at a small independent school, so some of this may not apply in different situations.
1. They have 2 weeks to research for their bio sheets, and I see them twice a week, if they finish a project early, they can work on it in my room, if not, then either at home or in their homeroom... I have had good success with turning them in because they know they can't vote until we have all presented.
2. They bring in at least one color image (they can print at school), and a speech prepared. Some kids make posters, bring in books, one girl made the "Mousa Lisa" since she had da Vinci. I than gather them all and put them in a binder we keep in the room. I have used last year's binder SOO many times this year, mostly having students look up artists.
3. I cut up two colors of paper (blue & yellow) into index sized pieces, each student gets one of each. I use a powerpoint with each slide having the names of two artists, color coded, and one piece each of their artwork. During the first round, we spend a few minutes talking about the two artists, I ask students to compare them, put it into context.... then I say they can vote by raising the color paper that matches the arti st they wish to vote for. I usually assign one student to tally and record votes for me. As far as the criteria, I let them decide who's artwork they like more. Sometimes they vote for a subject matter they prefer, somethings the art material. I randomly call on students to explain their vote and they have always been able to justify why they voted that way. I change the artwork each round and after about 4 rounds they begin talking about the artists with more knowledge and understanding of their work. I was amazed throughout this school year how muh they remembered from last year. With the start of each project this year kids would recall artwork they saw during last year's art madness and compare it.

The kids get really excited for this project! It is quite amazing to see such in depth conversations about artists!

Packet.docx
SandpiperWorksheet.docx
Round1.ppt