Spring 2020
Educator Newsletter
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Dear Educators,
We hope that you are well. It’s remarkable to see how our lives and the lives of our students have changed since we were last in touch. As educators, we have had to quickly and inventively adapt to our new reality. Like you, we’re ever mindful that our mission is to continue educating our community no matter the obstacles. Today, you will find that we have launched numerous online initiatives, including
Currier From Home
and
Views on Art
to support our community.
As always, we’re focused on art and committed to inspire. I hope you find a source of inspiration to draw from in the information that follows.
Be well, stay safe and keep on creating!
Bruce McColl
Director of Art Education
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It has been a busy and innovative spring here at the Art Center! With the sudden closure of the Currier Museum and Art Center, we were unable to finish the Winter 2020 term in our normal, in person way. However, we’ve adapted to using technology and are happy to report that we have been able to offer a selection of make-up classes via Zoom.
The response has been positive with many happy students able reconnect with fellow students, instructors, and the Art Center!
Looking forward to May, we have restructured our Spring 2020 session to an on-line platform, offering a variety of classes for children, teens and adults. From oil painting to drawing to mixed media, there is something for everyone to explore!
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Book Yours Today!
Although the doors of the museum are closed, we are continuing to connect students and teachers to exciting art experiences through virtual tours. Last week, 2
nd
grade students from Maple Ave. Elementary participated in a virtual field trip. They discovered what a museum does, the building blocks of art and how they can be found in Picasso’s
“Woman Seated in Chair.”
Following the “field trip,” students were invited to make their own self-portraits using Cubist themes and accessible materials found around the house.
If your school is interested in a virtual field trip, follow the link below to learn more about scheduling and designing a unique experience for your students!
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Making Art Accessible
Making Art Accessible is a multimedia studio art class designed for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The class draws upon works from the Currier Museum of Art permanent collection to inspire each student’s own creation. Led by an Art Center instructor, participants create their own art works out of clay, paint, collage, and more. Caregivers are welcome to attend. We will continue to offer this popular program virtually until we are able to reopen.
For more information or to sign up for a class, please contact Corie Lyford, Studio Outreach Manager,
[email protected].
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Reaching Veterans
Before the pandemic started, the Currier Museum of Art had started a pilot program that involved veterans visiting the museum on a weekly basis for time in the galleries followed by art making in one of our studios. The goal of the program is to build social connections and provide an opportunity for self-expression. We are happy to continue this model virtually with the Manchester VA and will do so until we can meet again in-person. Our most recent virtual session involved creating a grided heart drawing (left).
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Frank Lloyd Wright Houses
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Zimmerman and Kalil House Update
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Although we are closed, the Currier staff is busy preparing the two Frank Lloyd Wright houses for when the 2020 season can begin. It is going to be the first time visitors will tour both the Zimmerman and the Kalil House.
The
Kalil House was acquired
only recently, in November 2019. It is the second home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Manchester, and one of only seven
Usonian Automatic
houses to survive. A long list of restorations, renovations and repairs inside and out are being checked off. The work extends from finding the right fabric for upholstery, to heating and plumbing, and landscaping. Most recently heavy equipment could be seen at work regrading and paving the Kalil House driveway.
Plans are being developed on how to best organize the tours when we can gradually return to a new normal. Please check our
website
for information. Public tour tickets will be on sale on the Currier website. For private Frank Lloyd Wright tours please
email
[email protected]
or call 603.669.6144, x156.
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Architecture Connections Series
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As part of our first series based on the principles of architecture, we thought about the idea of architecture as portraiture. Our art education assistant, Lauren, created a colored pencil drawing activity where you design your dream house. The activity asks the artist to think about the elements that define them and then incorporate them into their drawing.
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Inspired by our acquisition of a second Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house, we’re delighted to have begun work on a new interdisciplinary series on architecture for all ages. Subjects covered will include architecture, art, English, math, science, social studies, and music, with connections to museum objects. Close looking and lesson plans are offered over social media, and we look forward to offering the curriculum to schools in the future.
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As we continue to adapt during this challenging time, it is inspiring to see all of the creative ways we can still come together, especially through art. Although our doors are closed, the Currier is still here to support you and your needs.
Share with us what you are creating. Ask questions if you need help. Let us know how art supports you during this time at home. We are just a click away.
Be safe and be well. We look forward to see you back at the museum in the coming months.
The Currier Museum of Art Education Department
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