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K-12 Classroom Resources

GO TO Art & Civic Values pages

How can works of art strengthen the dialogue between American history and civic mindedness?

Engaging with visual art can challenge and expand our understanding of the world and our place within it. In this set of resources for K-12 educators, discover works of American art by a diverse group of historical and contemporary artists. Encourage students to look at and enjoy art as a way to consider themes of equality, freedom, and justice in American history and their personal lives.

We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy

The inspiration for this collection of artworks and related resources comes from a special exhibition at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art - We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy. This unique exhibition placed a rare, original print of the US Constitution (one of only eleven known in the world) in conversation with works of art that provide diverse American perspectives on the nation’s founding principles.

In this microsite, educators will find what they need to balance critical, creative, and historical thinking through:

  • Essays
  • Classroom activities
  • Essential Questions for students
  • Downloadable high-resolution image sets
  • Selected additional resources

For tips on art and storytelling in the classroom, as well as a better understanding of art as a primary or secondary source, click here.

Art & Civic Values

Explore the art collection, lesson plans, and resources that address civic values of equality, freedom, and justice by visiting the classroom resources available on the pages below.

Justice

The US Constitution speaks directly about establishing justice “in Order to form a more perfect Union.” What did the idea of justice mean to the framers of the Constitution, and how has that notion changed in the twenty-first century?

Freedom

The First Amendment to the Constitution protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The interpretation of these freedoms and how to exercise them responsibly has been a source of debate for years in government and society at large. Is the Constitution a living document that can evolve over time and adapt to America’s changing politics, economy, and social mores?

Equality

The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution makes everyone born in the United States a citizen, entitled to equal protection in every state. How have notions of equality shifted with the recognition and intersection of race, class, and gender in American society?

Content Contributors

Exhibition sponsored by Kenneth C. Griffin

Learning and engagement programming for
We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy is sponsored by:

Sarah and Ross Perot, Jr. Foundation | Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates, & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. | Johnny and Jeanie Morris, Bass Pro Shops | Alturas Foundation | Harriet and Warren Stephens, Stephens Inc. | Sotheby’s | Bob and Becky Alexander | Marybeth and Micky Mayfield | Lamar and Shari Steiger | Jeff and Sarah Teague / Citizens Bank | Arkansas Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities | Avis and Bill Bailey | Scarlett and Neff Basore | June Carter Family | Terri and Chuck Erwin | Jackye and Curtis Finch | The Harrison and Rhonda French Family | Jim and Susan von Gremp | Laurice Hachem | Shannon and Charles Holley | Valorie and Randy Lawson / Lawco Energy Group | Donna and Mack McLarty | Steve and Susan Nelson | Neal and Gina Pendergraft | Helen Porter | JT and Imelda Rose | Lee and Linda Scott | Stella Boyle Smith Trust, Catherine and Michael Mayton, Trustees | William Reese Company

© 2022 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art