Maria Martinez Art Lessons

Art Projects and Curriculum

Our comprehensive art lesson plans will immerse Students in Maria Martinez's rich cultural background. Through interesting courses, you can learn about Martinez's pottery mastery and her inventive ceramic processes. Students will learn about Martinez's artistic process, from clay preparation to fire, and be inspired to create their own pottery masterpieces. Explore Maria Martinez's talent and discover the beauty of Southwest Ceramics.

Student Artwork Showcase

Style

Pottery

Media

Clay

Heritage

Native American

Gender

Female

Maria Martinez (1881-1980)

Maria Martinez was a Native American potter from the Pueblo of San Ildefonso in New Mexico. She is widely considered to be one of the greatest traditional Native American potters of the 20th century. Maria learned the art of pottery making from her mother, who was also a skilled potter. She was known for her unique style of black-on-black pottery, which involved coating the pottery with a glossy, black slip and then burnishing it to a smooth finish. She worked with her husband, Julian Martinez, to perfect this technique and their work was widely celebrated.

Maria became a respected leader in the Native American art community and her work has been widely exhibited and collected by museums and institutions around the world. Today, she is remembered as an important figure in the preservation of traditional Native American art forms.

Maria Martinez Art Lesson, Activity & Projects for Elementary

The history and culture of the Southwest Pueblo Native Americans is integrated with the introduction of master potter, Maria Martinez. The steps in making pottery are explored in preparation for the students to shape and decorate their own pottery. Be sure to click through the student masterpieces at the top of this page.

View the Artist Trailer

Art Elements Taught

Three Dimensional Shape

Art Activity Emphasis

Pueblo Pottery with Native American Symbols

Vocabulary Learned

balance, composition, contrast, detail, realistic, studio, symmetry, texture, value

Student Art Supplies

Clay, Watercolor Brushes

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How the Art Program Works:

1. Assembly

Introducing the Masters—Multi-Purpose Room or Classroom (20-45 minutes)

2. Student Worksheets

Learning from the Masters—Classroom (15-30 minutes)

3. Student Art Projects

Working with the Masters—Classroom (50-60 minutes)

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While I was in elementary school, Meet the Masters visited many times and I was in awe by the whole experience. To this day I still think about the lessons I learned and still have my rendition of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. I would love to inspire young students the same way Meet the Masters instructors have inspired me and so many of us.

Jeanene Serna

Former Meet the Masters Student

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More Artists on the Same Track

Buy a track of 7 artists and teach all year long.

All tracks include:

Implementation guide to manage scheduling, volunteers & communication
Multi-level, age-appropriate curriculum for all seven artists in this track
Engaging PowerPoint visuals that include vocabulary, art concepts & music
Timed, illustrated & scripted lessons perfect for teachers or volunteers
Hands-on technique worksheets, art project details, art prints, games & props

*Art supplies and teacher/volunteer training DVDs can be added to your order.

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