Education

School Tours

Field Trips: American Art & Renwick Gallery Themes

Detail from Miss Liberty Celebration by Malcah Zeldis.

American Art Tour Themes Looking at Art
	To See Is to Think: Visual Literacy How can an artwork be a primary resource? Why do people make art? What can we learn by looking closely? Through dialogue and gallery games students decode artworks to find hidden messages, gain critical-thinking skills, and build self-confidence to read visual materials. Media, techniques, and vocabulary are introduced. Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.2 Using Knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others; K-12.6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines. Performing Arts K-12.2 Acting by assuming roles and interacting in improvisations; K-12.6 Comparing and connecting art forms by describing theatre, dramatic media (such as film, television, and electronic media), and other art forms.
	New Voices, New Visions In the late twentieth century, technology, globalism, and diversity merged on the international superhighway. What are today's national concerns? Who are today's new Americans? Who are the new artists and what are they saying about America? Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.2 Using Knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others; K-12.6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines. US History Era 10 Contemporary United States (1968 to the present). Civics & Government II. B What are the distinctive characteristics of American society?; V.E. How can citizens take part in civic life?
	Folk Art: Beyond the Everyday From beads to bottle caps, foil to fabric, students will explore the diversity of media and experiences in American folk art! This tour covers the main elements of folk art: self-taught artists, everyday materials, vision and imagination, storytelling and sense of place. Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas. K-12.2 Using knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
Learning History and Social Studies Through Art
	Young America Students trace the transformation of the thirteen colonies into an independent nation. A combination of portraits, landscapes, genre paintings, furniture, and sculpture tells the story of growing national ambitions, territorial expansion, and the beginning of industry. Standards Visual Arts K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. US History K-4.1 Living and Working Together in Families and Communities, Now and Long Ago; K-4.2 The History of Students' Own State or Region; K-4.3 The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the Peoples from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage. US History 5-12.2 Era 2 Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763); 5-12.3 Era 3 Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820s). Civics & Government K-4.2 Values and Principles of Democracy; 5-12.2 Foundations of the Political System; 5-12.3 Principles of Democracy.
	Lure of the West Students consider changes in land ownership, the effects of westward expansion, and the belief in America's manifest destiny. How do painters and photographers record these issues for different audiences? How did Americans' view of their place in the world begin to change? Standards Visual Arts K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. US History K-4.1 Living and Working Together in Families and Communities, Now and Long Ago.
	A House Divided The Civil War tested and consumed the country for more than four years. Many families were touched by death. Students consider "the house" of Lincoln's "House Divided" speech. How did new technologies of printing, engraving, and photography portray the country and the war? What do paintings and sculpture reveal of life during Reconstruction? Standards Visual Arts K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures. US History K-4.1 Living and Working Together in Families and Communities, Now and Long Ago; K-4.2 The History of Students' Own State or Region; K-4.3 The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the Peoples from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage; 5-12 Era 5 Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877).
	1930s America: Reshaping American Life Students examine the 1930s in light of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, which helped provide work for artists during the Great Depression. How did the government coax the soul of America back to life? Students can make a movie at Picturing The 1930's Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.2 Using Knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. US History K-4.3 The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the Peoples from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage; Era 8 The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945). Civics & Government K-12.1 Civic Life, Politics, and Government; K-12.3 Principles of Democracy.
	Urbanized America The era between the end of the Civil War and World War I calls to mind conflicting adjectives—elegant, sophisticated, reformist, and ruthless, corrupt, vulgar. The urban population grew more than 700 percent. What can students learn about the period from its artworks? How did a new generation of politically conscious artists capture the city's characters and daily events? Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.2 Using Knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. US History Era 6 The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900); Era 7 The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930).
	We the People Throughout our history, Americans have struggled for freedoms—legal, personal, and political. Students compare and contrast artworks to discuss civic ideals and realities. Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.2 Using Knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. Civics & Government I.A What is civic life? What purposes should government serve?; II. B What are the distinctive characteristics of American society?; III.E How does the American political system provide for choice and opportunities for participation?; V.A What is citizenship?; V.B What are the rights of citizens?; V.C What are the responsibilities of citizens?; V.E. How can citizens take part in civic life?
	From Sea to Shining Sea: American Landscapes What do a painter's brush and a photographer's lens reveal about our interaction with the land? With active looking and movement, young students will focus on environment and communities. Older students will question how land ownership shapes our national politics. Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.2 Using Knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. Life Science 5-8 Populations and Ecosystems. Life Science 9-12 The Interdependence of Organisms; Populations, Resources, and Environments US History Era 4 Expansion and Reform (1801-1861); Era 6 The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900); Era 7 The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930).
	Neighborhood and Nation Young students compare and contrast their own neighborhoods, homes, schools, and families with those of children from early times through today. Paintings, photographs, and sculpture are used and classroom vocabulary, verbs, and adjectives are emphasized. Standards Visual Arts K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. US History K-4.1 Living and Working Together in Families and Communities, Now and Long Ago; K-4.2 The History of Students' Own State or Region; K-4.3 The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the Peoples from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage. US History 5-12. Era 1 Three Worlds Meet (Beginnings to 1620); Era 2 Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763); Era 4 Expansion and Reform (1801-1861); Era 6 The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900); Era 7 The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930); Era 8 The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945); Era 9 Postwar United States (1945 to early 1970s); Era 10 Contemporary United States (1968 to the present).
	Picturing America Artists give us a unique window on American life, reflecting the cultural, social, and political climate of the time in which they work. Explore America through the eyes of artists, from the colonial era to contemporary life. Standards Visual Arts K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others. US History K-4.1 Living and Working Together in Families and Communities, Now and Long Ago; K-4.2 The History of Students' Own State or Region; K-4.3 The History of the United States: Democratic Principles and Values and the Peoples from Many Cultures Who Contributed to Its Cultural, Economic, and Political Heritage. US History 5-12. Era 1 Three Worlds Meet (Beginnings to 1620); Era 2 Colonization and Settlement (1585-1763); Era 3 Revolution and the New Nation (1754-1820s); Era 4 Expansion and Reform (1801-1861); Era 5 Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877); Era 6 The Development of the Industrial United States (1870-1900); Era 7 The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930); Era 8 The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945); Era 9 Postwar United States (1945 to early 1970s); Era 10 Contemporary United States (1968 to the present). Civics & Government II. B What are the distinctive characteristics of American society?; V.E. How can citizens take part in civic life?
Celebrating Heritage
	Native Americans Viewers can detect shifting attitudes toward American Indians in nineteenth- and early twentieth-century works by non-native artists. Participants also examine twentieth-century Native American artists whose works express their cultural heritage and concerns. Standards Visual Arts K-12.3 Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter; K-12.4 Understanding the Visual Arts in Relation to History and Cultures K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others; K-12.6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines. US History Era 5 Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877); Era 7 The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930); Era 8 The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945).
	Free within Ourselves: African American Artists The works of African American artists whose contributions have made a significant and dynamic impact on America are highlighted during this tour. The individual lives of the artists, and the creative spirit that motivated each of them, are discussed—providing insight into the historical, social, and cultural context of African-American artists. Standards US History Era 5 Civil War and Reconstruction (1850-1877); Era 7 The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930); Era 8 The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945). Civics K-12.1 Civic Life, Politics and Government; 5-12.3 Other Nations and World Affairs; 5-12.3 Roles of the Citizen. Visual Arts K-12.6 Making Connections Between Visual Arts and Other Disciplines; K-12.4 Understanding the Visual Arts in Relation to History and Cultures; K-12.3 Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter. Music K-12.9 Understanding Music in Relation to History and Culture.
	Latino Art and Culture Artistic achievements of Hispanic Americans from the 1860s to the present represent the diversity of the Latino community and reflect historical and cultural developments that have transformed American art. Standards Visual Arts K-12.6 Making Connections Between Visual Arts and other Disciplines; K-12.4 Understanding the Visual Arts in Relation to History and Cultures; K-12.3 Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter, Symbols and Ideas; K-12.1 Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes. US History Era 9 Post-War United States (1945-early 1970s); Era 10 Contemporary United States (1968-present). Civics K-12.1 Civic Life, Politics and Government; 5-12.3 Other Nations and World Affairs; 5-12.3 Roles of the Citizen.
Renwick Gallery Tour Themes
	Contemporary Craft Students study contemporary craft objects and discuss process, material, structure and technique. Online artist interviews and craft demonstrations are available. Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas. K-12.2 Using knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
	To See Is to Think: Visual Literacy How can a craft object be a primary resource? What can we learn by looking closely? Through interactive discussions, students gain observation and critical-thinking skills and handle examples of contemporary objects. Standards Visual Arts K-12.1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; K-12.2 Using Knowledge of structures and functions; K-12.5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others; K-12.6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines. Performing Arts K-12.2 Acting by assuming roles and interacting in improvisations; K-12.6 Comparing and connecting art forms by describing theatre, dramatic media (such as film, television, and electronic media), and other art forms.