Muralist Lesson Plan Mural Manifestos
Lesson Plan: Public Art & Social Justice
Grade
9-12
Subject
Visual Arts / Civics
Duration
2-3 Periods
Key Theme
Visual Rhetoric
Essential Question
How can visual art serve as a catalyst for social change and a reflection of community identity in Camden?
Objectives
Analyze visual rhetoric in murals.
Identify cultural milestones in Camden.
Design an advocacy-focused mural.
Instructional Sequence
1
The Hook: Power to the Walls (20 min)
Show images of the "Invincible" mural (Cooper & Broadway). Discuss why murals are more accessible than galleries and how they reclaim public space.
2
Direct Instruction: Rhetoric (30 min)
Use slide deck to define visual rhetoric (color, symbolism, scale). Discuss how art can "speak" for a community when their voices are otherwise ignored.
3
Guided Practice: Decoding (40 min)
Students complete the Analysis Worksheet for a local mural. Focus on identifying specific symbols that represent Camden's resilience or history.
4
Independent Project: Design (60+ min)
Students use the Project Guide to draft their own vision. They must argue for a specific location and explain their rhetorical strategy in writing.
Toolkit
Slide Deck & Analysis Sheet
Sketching paper & markers
Standards
CCSS.ELA-RI.11-12.7: Evaluate multi-format info.
NJ Arts 1.2: Art as a cultural reflection.
Canvas of Change Slides Arts & Advocacy
Canvas of Change
Investigating Public Art, Visual Rhetoric, and the Spirit of Camden.
01
The Invincible City
Erik James Montgomery's "Invincible" Mural
Visual Focus
Large-scale portraits of residents claiming visibility in the city.
The Rhetoric
Direct eye contact challenges the viewer to acknowledge Camden's humanity.
View "Invincible" Mural
Cooper St & Broadway
02
Rhetoric: The Language of Art
Color
How do hues evoke emotions or represent political movements?
Symbolism
Objects with deep meaning: a phoenix, chains, or a fist.
Scale
How does massive size shift the power between the art and viewer?
03
The Invincible City
Resilience through history, industry, and community pride.
Industry
Victor Talking Machine Co. and shipyards that shaped the city's past.
Identity
The vibrant Puerto Rican and African American community fabric.
Advocacy
Long history of activism for environmental and social justice.
Future
Young muralists reclaiming the city's narrative through public art.
04
Your Mission
Design a Concept
Pick a specific Camden location (Block/Ward).
Define one Social Justice theme.
Use rhetoric to advocate for the future.
05
Word Weapons Worksheet Rhetoric on the Wall
Visual Analysis Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Subject
Select a Camden mural discussed in class (e.g., "Invincible" or the North Camden history mural).
Mural Title/Location
Artist (if known)
Initial Emotional Response
Part 2: Elements
Element Observations & Impact Color Palette
Identify 3 main colors and their mood.
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Scale & Gaze
Who is looking at the viewer? How big is the person/object?
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Symbolism
Find one hidden detail or metaphor.
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Part 3: The Message
How does this mural contribute to the "visual rhetoric" of social justice in Camden? Does it celebrate, protest, or memorialize? Mural Showdown Activity Activity Guide
Community Vision Project
Designing the Invincible Future
Designer:
Location:
01
Phase 1: Foundation
Specific Camden Wall/Site
Social Justice Theme
Advocacy Goal
What community change does this mural argue for?
02
Phase 2: Strategy
Central Symbol
Describe the main object or person.
Color Mood
Why this specific palette?
Visual Flow
Where should the eye land first?
03
Composition Sketch
Blueprint Area: Scale 1:20