Introduction

Art is a language we all share, regardless of our race, gender, upbringing or location on planet Earth. It is our first language. Art is tied to personal beliefs, identity, politics, environment, religion, energy, tradition, and language. **What is your connection?**

Our school has a **connection** with [|Ruth and Nohemi], a weaving cooperative formed for economic support by Mayan women in 1982 when the men of their village were all massacred by government troops. Our students visit this cooperative and purchase beautiful textiles to benefit the school fund as part of an exchange program.

We will use art to make connections between individuals, communities, cultures, and issues. The purpose of this WebQuest is to provide students with an overview of the basic concepts of fair trade as it relates to artist and artisan cooperatives. To fully appreciate the ways in which fair trade benefits these artists, student must see the artists and their communities in the context in which they exist and the challenges and tragedies that have shaped their work. By examining the situations and issues that affect artists and their communities, we can see their influence and better understand the meaning and messages in their artwork. **How will this affect your own artwork?**

From this research, student groups will gather information about various artists and organizations that support foreign cultures and their traditional handicrafts. Internet scholarship and Web based activities will provide greater access to these concepts and cultures and software programs will be used to complete assignments. The final result of each group’s research and efforts will be **a World Bazaar** and **Art Exhibition** at our school’s annual International Festival. This event draws over 500 people each year. For two things, you will be the event planners, hosts and managers! A portion of the monies raised will benefit the Ruth & Nohemi Cooperative, the rest you must decide what to do with it!!!

This quest or journey will take most of the quarter and is divided into five sections. You will also be responsible for working on a personal response piece during studio time. We will be using Microsoft Word and Excel as well as Web tools such as Quia, a Writeboard or Wiki, and Internet searches.