Ancient Egypt & Its Art

Students tour the Ancient Egypt Gallery, learn an age-old metalworking technique, and then create an ancient Egyptian inspired relief.

Art Gallery Apprenticeship

After studying the concepts, materials, and processes employed by artists in the current exhibition, students return to the studio where they apply what they have learned to produce their own original masterpieces. Critical, analytical, and creative thinkig come together as students deepen their appreciation for fine art.

Exploring Abstract Art

Works by famous twentieth-century artists such as Picasso are used to introduce the concept of abstraction. Students then enjoy the creative challenge of expressing themselves through self-portraits.

Journaling: Learning to Look & Looking to Write

Unique activities in the art galleries encourage students to investigate original works of art while exploring three types of writing: argumentative, informational/explanatory, and narrative. Students examine primary and secondary sources, learn from one another through thoughtful discussions, and participate in journaling activities.

Radial Symmetry

Students are introduced to traditions in art exemplifying radial design. Memorable hands-on activities reinforce mathematical concepts and encourage students to visualize and predict reflective patterns. For the culminating project, each student builds a kaleidoscope to take back to school.

Tesselations

This class introduces students to M. C. Escher, the artist who made tessellations popular. Students explore the geometrical transformation behind Escher’s designs while using their imagination and applying mathematical skills to create unique tessellations.

Tradition in Transition: Inuit Art & Culture

February 10 - May 27, 2018

The unique cultural traditions and former way of life of the Inuit, the native people of northern Canada, is conveyed in stone carvings and prints as well as handiworks, including a kayak. Featuring such themes as animals, hunting and family life, these artworks date from the 1950s to the 1990s and are accompanied by videos, hands-on projects and other fun activities. A semi-nomadic people living in a harsh, frigid environment, the Inuit developed cultural mores that remained largely intact until the mid-nineteenth century. As more and more outsiders discovered the Arctic and its economic potential, Inuit culture transformed and their old customs all but disappeared. Artist cooperatives, first established in the 1950s, not only helped the Inuit to transition in a modern world but also kept their traditions alive.