Yayoi Kusama Art Project Art And Write Gourd Lesson Artist Study ArtActivity

This Yayoi Kusama Gourd Art and Write lesson combines an artist study, a guided art project and cross-curricular writing in one resource. Students learn about Yayoi Kusama and her use of polka dots, pattern and bright color, create their own Kusama-inspired gourd, and then respond through writing, reflection and an artist statement.

It is made for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers, and fits upper elementary art, middle school art, artist study units, art and literacy integration, sub plans and homeschool art. Students create a patterned gourd filled with bold dots against a bright, high-contrast background.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE)

• Cover page
• About the Art and Write Resource page and How to Use the Art and Write Resource page
• 2 lesson plan pages
• Standards page
• Warm-Up Art Challenge page inspired by Kusama's polka dots
• Student reading page about the artist
• 2 rubric pages
• The Message writing reflection page
• Artwork Reflection page and Artist Mindsets page
• Artist statement pages and exit ticket page
• Quick-Pick Reference Images page with stem shapes, gourd body shapes and pattern or background choices
• Rough Draft page, artwork planning/example page and full-page example artwork
• PDF step-by-step tutorial
• PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial
• Writing pages: non-fiction planning and prompt pages, fiction planning and prompt pages, opinion writing pages and blank writing pages
• Two versions of writing paper to support different learner needs

HOW TO USE IT

Students begin with the warm-up art challenge, read about the artist, then create the gourd artwork using the tutorial and the Quick-Pick reference images, which let them make their own design choices so every piece looks different. You can demonstrate the steps yourself or project the PowerPoint tutorial for the whole class, which also makes it useful for sub plans and leave plans.

After the artwork, students explain their message, reflect on what they learned and set goals, write an artist statement and complete an exit ticket. The example uses oil pastel and watercolor paint, but you can use any art mediums you like.

FAQ

Who can use this resource?

Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want a Yayoi Kusama art lesson with writing and reflection built in.

Is it editable?

No. It is non-editable.

Does it include a step-by-step tutorial?

Yes. It includes both a PDF step-by-step tutorial and a PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial.

Can I use different art mediums?

Yes. The lesson plan explains that you can create the artwork with any mediums you like. The example tutorial uses oil pastel and watercolor paint.

Does it include student choice?

Yes. The Quick-Pick Reference Images let students choose different design elements to create unique Kusama-inspired gourds.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (1)

★★ “I am excited to use this reference, but I cannot get the files to open. Please let me know if you can update them to redownload or if you can email parts separately to use.” amy A.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist and educator who was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine (October 2025) and has been featured on NBC LX. She creates visual art resources for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers, with strong visuals and real art skill development. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

This resource is for single educator use only.

YOU MAY: use it with your own students. Please purchase additional licenses if more than one teacher will be using it.

YOU MAY NOT: share, copy, upload, post online, distribute or resell this resource in any form.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic