Long before cameras were invented, artists found ways to capture celebrations in art. Sometimes art plays a role in religious occasions that are celebrated year after year, while other celebrations recall historic events and family milestones like birthdays and weddings. Special objects or special outfits commemorate some celebrations. After cameras were invented, photography became a popular medium to record and remember celebrations.

Classroom Activities
Have students recall celebrations from their past. Have them interview other people who were there about what they remember about the event. Ask them to write about or draw what happened and what they felt was most meaningful.

Celebrations usually involve all of the senses—taste, smell, sight, touch, hearing. Have students take a look at the celebrations in this theme and describe what their senses might experience if they were there.

Ask students to select a soundtrack they would play to accompany each of these celebrations.

Have students create a work of art that captures your next class celebration. Students could take turns using a digital camera to capture images. As a class choose three pictures that best portray the event, then have each student create something that represents the celebration using one of the images.

Sometimes symbols are used to mark celebrations. Have students bring in and share symbols for events they celebrate—special clothing, a decoration, a scrapbook or family photograph.