Since January 2023, The Columbus Museum’s education department has offered art making activities to Russell County, Alabama students who participate in the afterschool program at their elementary schools. The program takes place at Mount Olive Primary School, Mount Olive Intermediate School, Ladonia Elementary, and Oliver Elementary. In September 2023, the Museum also began offering art making activities to members of Mount Olive Intermediate School’s newly formed Art Club to reach additional students not enrolled in the afterschool program. During each monthly visit, educators bring a poster reproduction of a collection object and lead a discussion that encourages
close-looking and critical thinking skills. Students then get to apply what they have discussed to a hands-on art making activity and express their personal creativity. When asked what they thought of the program, a student from Ladonia Elementary said it was “the best art making day in the world!” Rachel Vogt, the Museum’s Academic Programs Manager, at The Columbus Museum, says the program was a great fit with the Museum’s education-based mission. “There is a need in Alabama for arts programming in public schools, and offering this program to students in Russell County is one way we can serve our community and help them thrive,” Vogt said.
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Images: 1. A student at Ladonia Elementary in Phenix City, Alabama shows off his artwork inspired by Lee Krasner. 2. & 3. Students at Mount Olive Primary School make colorful sculptures with Model Magic inspired by Craig Nutt’s Tomato Table in The Columbus Museum’s permanent collection. 2
4. & 5. Students at Mount Olive Primary School in Fort Mitchell, Alabama make collages inspired by Madeline Jones’ Wonderful Garden by Romare Bearden. 2023-2024 WINTER THE MUSE | 7
WINTER 2023-24 EDUCATION IMPACT
Education Department Offers Art Making Activities in Alabama Schools
