The Art Appreciation Series Title Listing Home
The Art of Design 1 & 2
"Recommended. These fascinating and eclectic programs take viewers behind-the-scenes to show the processes used by some of the world's finest designers. In the 21st century, art, design, and technology are all coming together. In general, the examples of ingenuity and expertise are spellbinding, effectively demonstrating the creative process. Enjoyable and inspiring for adults and young adults, these programs would definitely inspire science fair entries." -EMR Online
Two state-of-the-art programs that not only offers viewers a chance to meet some of the world's most famous designers, but also provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes' look at the "art" of design in various field of technology. Produced by Electric Sky Productions. 08DR JSCA Box-Set Savings: 2 Parts in a Box Set! Also available on 2 DVDs, Videos or Digital Files.
The Art of Design 1
In this program viewers see: "Graphics" by Jonathan Barnbrook; "Animatronics" by the Jim Henson Creature Workshop Team; "Handihaler Inhaler for Asthmatics" by Therefore Design; the "Psion 5 Handheld Computer" by Kinneir Dufort; "Earth Galleries Exhibition" by Event Communications; the "Cable & Wireless Adventure Powerboat" by John Walker. 30 min.
The Art of Design 2
This program presents the Ford "Ka" by the Ford Design Team; the "Mekong Wheelchair" by Motivation; the "Rolls-Royce 3-Shaft Engine" by Geoff Wilde and Rob Howe; "RAC Control Center" by Nicholas Grimshaw; "Automated Teller Machines" by NCR Design; "Team Fashion" by Ally Cappellino. 30 min.


Famous Paintings
Special Jury Prize -Cannes Film Festival
"Highly Recommended! 'SLJ Media Pick!' A clever and unforgettable look at famous paintings; the combination of constant action, innovative animation, and mystery provide a startling new perspective on each masterpiece." -School Library Journal
"Highly Recommended. An unforgettable program, sure to arouse the imagination of both art students and enthusiasts alike; it leaves the viewer in awe figuring out how Koopman can invoke the imagination within each of us." -NAMTC & NMM Review
"Recommended. This is a novel approach to expanding upon the concept of time and space in art that combines the aesthetics of painting, cinema, and storytelling. The paintings are given a narrative structure and taken on a very different life than the one the viewer may have known; it is an imaginative work that can help students break out of the mold of seeing painting as two dimensional art, and provides a refreshing way of looking at well-known masterpieces that can inspire students to conceptualize visual art as narrative form." -EMRO Review
"Recommended! Extraordinarily well designed and created, covering a wide range of styles, artist backgrounds, and time periods, it shares the magic an artist might have felt in creating each painting." -Library Media Connection
"Highly Recommended. An unforgettable program, sure to arouse the imagination of both art students and enthusiasts alike; it leaves the viewer in awe figuring out how Koopman can invoke the imagination within each of us." -NAMTC & NMM Review
This highly respected film is a totally engaging program that will be loved by any one being introduced to art, as well as any experienced lover of art. Maarten Koopman is one of the world's finest animators and here he uses the finest animation techniques to allow viewers to visualize thoughts about famous paintings by 14 of the world's greatest artists.The paintings explored include: Tower of Babel by Breugel, Bedroom at Arles by Van Gogh, La Persistance de la Memorie by Dali, Nympheus by Monet, Broadway Boogie Woogie by Mondrian, Girl With a Pearl Earring by Vermeer, The Fall by Van Der Goes, The Summer by Arcimboldo, Still Life With Apples and Mug by Cezanne, La Grande Guerre, Ceci N'est Pas Une Pomme, La Duree Poignardee by Magritte, Squellettes Se Disputant Un Pendu by Ensor, Maja Desnuda by Goya, Prodigal Son by Bosch, and Jewish Bride by Rembrandt. Produced by Maarten Koopman. 07DR
Note: Paintings by Bosch, Ensor and Goya are not included in Level 1.
Level 1 - IJSCA 15 min.
Level 2 - SCA 20 min.


Homenaje a Tenochtitlan: An Installation for the Day of the Dead
"Highly Recommended! This beautiful documentary is a useful tool for understanding the importance of the "Day of the Dead" celebration; it is also excellent for any who have an interest in Chicano/Chicana art." -Library Journal
Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival into the "New World," Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton, Massachusetts, invited Texas-born artist Carmen Lomas Garza to install "Homenaje a Tenochtitlan: An Installation for the Day of the Dead" (Homage to Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital that Hernán Cortés attacked in 1521, and current site of Mexico City). Here the artist explains the symbolism of her historic ofrenda, based on traditional Mexican altar offerings, which she created with a group of students, paying tribute both to her own ancestors and mentors and also to cultures destroyed by the invasion of the Conquistadors. Produced by Elizabeth Sher. 07DR/CL JSCA 30 min.
Associated Program: Women by Women

Two Sides of Computer Animation
Two short programs that show how animation can be used to tackle serious subjects or to create lighthearted entertainment. 07DR 1/10 min. or 2 Parts
Revolution (Against Racism)
Animated portrayal of power struggles and the strength needed to overcome oppression. Harkens back to the atrocity of German domination during WW II and to Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership. Produced by Jason Mark. IJSCA 5 min.
Yaron Zohar: Computer Animation
This animated short offers an example of computer expert Yaron Zohar's imagination with a sense of humor, offering a hold-on-to-your-seat flight to nowhere in particular. Produced by Yaron Zohar. PIJSCA 5 min.


Women by Women
The Galeria de la Raza is a non-profit, community-based arts organization located in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District whose mission is to foster public awareness and appreciation of Chicano/Latino art and culture. In this digitally re-mastered program we get to view an historic exhibition here of leading Chicana/Latina artists, "Women by Women," curated by Amalia Mesa Bains and Maria Pineda, which portrays woman as healer, mother, sister, worker, indigena, and abuelita (grandmother). Artists Judith Baca, Carmen Lomas Garza, Lorraine Garcia and Rita Chavez explain how each has evolved an individual voice while paying homage to a common cultural heritage. Produced by Elizabeth Sher. 08DR/CL JSCA 60 min.
Associated Program: Homenaje a Tenochtitlan: An Installation for the Day of the Dead

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