Below are two options for activities that will reinforce students’ knowledge and understanding of garden sculptures that they explored at the Getty Villa.

I. Design Your Own Sculpture Garden

Ask students to imagine decorating their own garden with sculptures depicting people from our time. Would they choose politicians, authors, athletes, celebrities, family members or friends? Who inspires them, and why? If students were to create a garden dedicated to a person or a group of people, what would the theme of their garden be, and what kind of conversations would they and their guests have if they were walking in the garden and drawing inspiration from sculptures? Have students think about the material of the sculptures. Remind students that the sculptures would be located outdoors and exposed to the elements, so they should choose material accordingly and be able to justify their choices. 

II. Customize a Roman Villa

As a homework assignment or a group project, have students create a three-dimensional model of an ancient Roman garden like those seen at the Getty Villa. In their models, students should include plants, fountains, and architectural decorations as well as garden sculptures. Direct students to search for works of art on the Getty’s Web site in the Explore Art section (http://www.getty.edu/gettyguide/).