Art

Artist Mary Jackson describes the traditions of basket making using sweetgrass and other natural plants and explains the importance of this craft that has been handed down through generations in South Carolina. Mary's family has created hundreds of baskets in different shapes and sizes using a technique that originated in West Africa. Learn more about Mary's family legacy of beautiful art!

Making the perfect mirror surface of Chicago's Cloud Gate sculpture took a lot of work.

Across a treacherous strait where deep ocean waters rip back and forth with the tides, and during the depths of the Great Depression, daring teams of engineers and builders set out to make something many thought impossible. Begun in 1933 and officially opened on May 27, 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge and its awe-inspiring and groundbreaking construction are truly a testament to the power of hope and perseverance.

Have you ever wondered how bronze statues are made? Bronze is a type of metal, which can be made into different forms when heated at high temperatures. Bronze can be poured into a mold to create a statue. It takes years to master the art of making bronze statues; it includes a five-step process. Learn more about making bronze statues!

Meet artist and author Brian Floca and follow along as he takes you through how he creates the drawings for one of his books, Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11. You’ll follow the drawings at every stage, from sketch to drawing to finished illustration!

Have you ever wondered how skyscrapers are built? It takes many workers to design and build a skyscraper. Learn about the architects, engineers, and contractors that turn an idea into a building!

Have you ever seen a fractal? You probably have, and just didn’t know it! These repeating shapes can happen anywhere, whether in nature or in math—it’s easy to make one out of a series of lines and triangles! Follow along and make a fractal of your own in a fun craft.

Cable-stayed bridges are one of six main types of bridges built around the world. Learn about the Zakim Bridge in Boston and try the activity to see how cable-stayed bridges are so strong. Can you guess how strong a cable-stayed bridge is?

For engineers and architects, mistakes are part of the creative process. Learn why the Leaning Tower of Pisa leans, how the reflections from the Walt Disney Concert Hall caused a heat ray, and what engineers and architects did to solve these types of problems.

Have you ever looked at a skyscraper and wondered how it was built? Do you ever look up at a tall building and wonder how it does not fall down? This story helps you explore the changes that have led to the creation of skyscrapers! You will get to see the different materials that have been developed to allow for better stability. You will get to understand how things like iron, steel, and concrete have revolutionized the way buildings are built and designed. By the end of this story, you will have a new appreciation for the skyscrapers that are all over the world!