OVERVIEW
Art Adventure focuses on Art Appreciation, looking at artworks from the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s collection. The art pieces and discussion packets are created and provided by the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), but the delivery to the OLE students is provided entirely by parent volunteers. The program budget is about $350, which equates to approximately $0.60/student.
The program encourages creativity, critical thinking and global awareness through in-depth explorations of art across various cultures and time periods. Art Adventure is an opportunity for students to experience art through reproductions, technology, and touch-and-feel props.
Volunteers or “Picture People” are trained at the MIA in October and visit OLE classrooms three times during the month of November to facilitate student discussion about the MIA art pieces. The Art Adventure class is typically 45 minutes to 1 hour. Art in the Classroom is NOT scheduled during November while Art Adventure takes place. Thus volunteers are encouraged to take part in both AITC and AA offerings.
This year’s Art Adventure theme will be Cultural Reflections in Art and will introduce students to six very different works of art ranging from a 1st-2nd Century Chinese sculpture to a 1950’s U.S. folk-style oil painting.
HOW TO HAVE AN ART ADVENTURE
Perhaps the best way to learn what Art Adventure is all about is to watch MIA’s newest video, “Art Adventure.” An older video, “How To Have An Art Adventure” also provides a good overview.
Every Adventure includes:
- 2 poster-sized representations of MIA works from a themed set (six works per set)
- MIA props (provided by the museum) to help illustrate artistic concepts
“PICTURE PERSON” VOLUNTEER ROLES
As a “Picture Person” Volunteer, you will:
- Attend a FREE training at the MIA (Not mandatory but strongly encouraged) and receive a complimentary guide book explaining the MIA’s works of art in depth
- Lead an Art Adventure in the classroom. Note: Volunteers may lead a single Adventure or opt to be a classroom’s steady “Picture Person”, returning every week to lead Adventures during the month of November.
*All those participating in Art must complete a Criminal Background Check. Please see Ursula in the front office.
TEACHING TIPS for “PICTURE PEOPLE” VOLUNTEERS
- Have fun! This program is about students describing what they see when they look at Art. You don’t have to be an art expert to lead a great Adventure!
- Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to collect the Sets from the Media Center and to find your classroom.
- It’s STRONGLY encouraged that you review the MIA’s Guidebook prior to class time. There will be more information in this book than you can possibly share. Don’t worry! Find key ideas to discuss with the kids based on their grade and understanding.
- Manage the Adventure Time. Typically, lessons require:
• 5 minutes – Introduce yourself/the AA theme
• 15 minutes – Lead art discussion on Piece #1
• 15 minutes – Lead art discussion on Piece #2
• 5 minutes – Review
If you have any questions about the Art Adventure program or would like to volunteer within the program, please contact the AA Coordinator – Renee McCabe laughingwaters@comcast.net
