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Happy Art

Artist Romero Britto founded the Happy Art Movement. Students will explore this movement and create their own happy art.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

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Steps

  • Step 1

    Romero Britto is a Brazilian-born artist of international renown now living in Miami, FL. He founded the Happy Art Movement in 1992 with a mission to inspire happiness, fun, love, and optimism around the globe through art and vibrant colors. Have students explore this movement and look at images of his bright and colorful art that often features hearts. Ask them to discuss his "vivid visualization of happiness in a welcoming world that is within our reach."

  • Step 2

    Ask students to create a colorful and happy work in the style of Britto. Encourage them to use bold and vibrant colors and iconic shapes and patterns, as Britto does in his art.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their art and discuss the colors and patterns they used and how art can spread happiness.

Standards

ARTS: Speculate about processes an artist uses to create a work of art.

ARTS: Explore and invent art-making techniques and approaches.

Adaptations

Romero Britto believes "art is too important not to share" and that it can effect positive change. Ask students to explore this concept. How does art inspire and motivate us? For example, the touring exhibition of Picasso's "Guernica" helped raise funds for Spanish war relief. And street art can elevate community pride and spark awareness and conversations of social issues.

How did a heart become a symbol of love? Ask students to investigate this connection, which dates back to ancient Rome, and why the hearts we draw look nothing like the organ it represents.