Cultural Exchanges through Arts and LanguageFifth Annual South Alabama Conference on Teaching and LearningUniversity of South Alabama, Mobile, AL USAInquiry & Interaction, May 11, 2015

Paige VitulliSusan Ferguson MartinZhou ShuangChen CaifangZhang Xiu-iuan

Cross-cultural collaboration between University of South Alabama College of Education faculty in the United States and visiting faculty from Shaoxing University in Shaoxing, China has resulted in a collection of conversations about the connection between art and language. Among the topics discussed are how cultural artifacts, including both historical and contemporary art, literature, food, and customs may be used to advance both the understanding of culture and linguistic fluency. Further, exploration of cultural misunderstandings and overgeneralizations are explored, and potential uses of art and language to overcome such barriers are discussed, including extensions of art that have worked in actual cross-cultural classroom contexts. The conversations, which include demonstration and discussion of cultural artifacts and customs as they relate to language and learning, will be used in Art Education and ESOL Education courses.

Painting with Ricky Trione, blind artist from Fairhope, AL

Printmaking & Gyotaku in #EDU 301

Ping Pong at the USA Rec Center

Mobile, AL Delta Harbor Tour

Mobile Museum of Art Cultural Art Trunks

Cultural Art TrunksThe Cultural art trunks have been developed as a way to extend the reach of the museum’s mission. Focusing on select cultures, the trunks help develop understanding and appreciation of the art, history, and culture of different regions of the world by hands-on interactions, and in-depth explorations.Art Trunks are a wonderful learning resource for all ages. Rental periods can extend for up to two weeks depending on the reservation schedule. These art-themed resources include artifacts, books, and multimedia presentations.The trunks that are currently available for rental are the Asian, Southeast Native American and the African Art Trunk.

Exploring the Asian Cultural Trunk from the Mobile Museum of Art