Sixth through eighth grade visual arts students are on a mission to study a different contemporary artist each week throughout the year. These artists work with unusual materials, address social and environmental justice topics, or use traditional art in a new way. After viewing the artwork, learning about the artist, and watching them speak about their process, the students complete the first of three prompts for the week. At the beginning of each class they will first consider a critical thinking question, next draw or sketch a creative idea related to the theme, and finally reflect on their learning. We kicked things off in week 1 by studying Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled (Boxer) in 6th grade, Barbara Jones-Hogu’s United print in 7th grade, and Kehinde Wiley’s Rumors of War sculpture in 8th grade. This will be an art-filled year for these students which will undoubtedly inspire them to push the boundaries of their own artmaking!