Let's Create: Native American Art

Executive producer, educator, and host Ann Felice teaches a group of ethnically diverse kids about art and culture in this craft program featuring projects based on the artwork of several Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Chippewa, and Sioux. Using a variety of simple, standard supplies (scissors, markers, glue) and samples of patterns and symbols, the kids create sand paintings (Felice talks about medicine men), totem poles (fashioned from paper towel tubes), paper plate dream catchers (the program includes a segment on authentic willow branch versions), buffalo skin vests (made from paper bags), and clay pinch pots. Following each instruction segment are shots of the kids at work (overlaid with syrupy music and lyrics), with selected students displaying their handiwork, and a step-by-step section listing specific materials needed, as well as a detailed recap. Also featured are brief bookend “F.Y.I.: For Your Inspiration” segments on powwows and the Montclair Art Museum's Rand Gallery Native American collection in New Jersey. An inexpensive and fun crafts tape, this is recommended. [Note: also newly available in the Let's Create series are African Art and Asian Art.] Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams-Wood)