Resources · 09-28-2017
September teacher resources to begin the new school year as an inspired teacher.
Music · 02-12-2017
We all know the importance of nurturing children’s strengths and interests. Whether it’s praise for reading or a conversation about their artistic creations, encouraging a child’s self-expression, creativity, and excitement is important. For example, I have watched many children develop an interest in music. Some liked creating silly songs or singing in our classroom. Others discovered a serious passion for an instrument and would practice daily. Whatever their capabilities, nurturing...
Activities · 07-13-2016
Once upon a time, I worked for a historic preservation organization. I attended many tours and social events in historic properties not usually open to the public. Traveling to these events was entertaining and informative because my colleagues would point out various house styles and identify architectural features. They would get excited about such features as, roof forms, paint colors, windows, porch supports, and decorative details. I learned a lot and often think of them whenever I see an...
Activities · 05-13-2016
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/collections/collection-online/artwork/2143 Red Balloon, Paul Klee, 1922
Museums · 01-14-2016
Power and Pathos, the exhibit of bronze sculptures at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., is remarkable. Fifty bronze sculptures, dating from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD, capture the “dynamic realism, expression, and detail that characterize the new artistic goals of the era.” Innovations from a distant time still seem relevant today and offer inspiration for prolonged viewing and future exploration. Only a small fraction of ancient bronzes survives because most...
Activities · 01-04-2016
Roy Lichtenstein, Bull VI, Bull V, Bull IV, Bull III, Bull II, and Bull I from the Bull Profile series, 1973, linecut, lithograph and screenprint
Activities · 10-20-2015
Artist Phillip Haas’ 15-foot-tall sculptures on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art are amazing. Entitled The Four Seasons, they are 3-dimensional interpretations of Giuseppe Arcimboldo's portrait series of the same name. Arcimboldo was an Italian Renaissance painter best known for creating "composite head" paintings. These paintings were composed of items such as tree roots, flowers, and vegetables. Exploring these sculptures with children inspires fun and creativity. Children love...
Creativity · 10-08-2015
Children have many ideas about the creative process and bring unique experiences to their artistic adventures. Creating art helps them learn more about themselves, others, and the world. Writing about their art further refines their ideas, thoughts and experiences.
Activities · 09-22-2015
Museum visitors seeking to engage with exhibits appreciate the hands-on educational opportunities museums provide. Many of these programs include both aesthetic and emotional experiences. One example of an effective aesthetic activity was recently offered at The Phillips Collection during their American Moments exhibition. The exhibit highlighted examples of Modernism, documentary expression, photojournalism, and street photography. In a room featuring portraits of artists, a simple prompt...