If you ever took an art history class, you will be familiar with the experience of seeing the ‘Annunciation Triptych’ attributed to the workshop of Robert Campion (25 3/8 in. x 46 3/8 in.) and Pollack’s ‘Autumn Rhythm’ (105 in. by 207 in.) as being the same size. All the images in the class basically filled the screen and appeared to be equal. Having a chance to actually see a work of art, in the flesh, so to speak, can be a phenomenally different experience. That is one reason why the Art Dept. takes every class in Kindergarten through grade 6 on an Art trip. The 7th Grade trip to D.C. is a combined Art and History trip, and some Arts Block classes do include a museum visit.
But, have you been to any museums lately? My focus is art museums, but the same changes are underway in many museums. This summer I had the chance to participate in the National Art Education Association’s Summervision program in Washington, D.C. We averaged two different museum visits each day. One of the things I have been witnessing and thinking about for some time was clearly evident that week as well.
The way people in a museum look at an exhibit is changing. Now, a museum visitor first looks through the viewfinder of their phone or their blackberry or some other electronic device, and snaps a picture of what’s in front of them. Then, they can click on the code the museum provides with their smart phone, and read text or listen to audio about the exhibit. Then, they finally look at the works in front of them.
In this visual age, I support current thinking that students need to learn to be able to read images, so that they can be visually literate and discerning. In order to do that, they need to be able to describe what they see in an artwork; to discover why the work was made and how it fits in to its time, as well has being able to have that visceral response to the work.
The trips we take attempt to do all that. The Sixth Grade went on their art trip- to Olana, the former home of Fredric Church, in Hudson, N.Y. this week. Church was, arguably, the most famous American artist in his day. There are few of his works in the house, mainly smaller oil sketches, but it is the home itself that is a special architectural treasure. While there, students sketched some portion of the elaborate exterior for later use in class. This memorable place will stay with them forever.
I encourage you to provide your child with the opportunity to visit museums and galleries. The Berkshires are packed with places to go and things to see. Your child will be drawn to things that surprise you. Have fun exploring!
