Docents & Miami Students EDUCATION AT MUAM CYNTHIA COLLINS, CURATOR OF EDUCATION
Approximately one-hundred and twenty Miami students enrolled in Western Studies 122 Art Across the Curriculum were challenged to select a “great work of artistic expression,” from genres including photography, sculpture, painting and contemporary art. Docents, volunteer tour guides, who typically engage elementary school and community groups, found themselves in the company of undergraduate students, composed primarily of first-years and sophomores. Docents eagerly provided students with an introduction to each gallery, sharing nuances about the exhibitions that weren’t readily apparent to the naked eye. For instance, in the Winter in Jeju-do exhibition the photograph titled View from Sandbanga Temple Grotto at Sunset (2012), a centuries old tree was cut
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down due to a massive pine disease outbreak. The photograph serves as evidence of the tree’s existence. The students were required to write brief responses following their museum visit answering the question as to “why the art or artifact qualifies as artwork?” This experience offered docents additional opportunities to share their knowledge with students and to aid students’ ability to engage with visual art. The art museum is recruiting volunteers who have an interest in art. No previous experience is necessary to become a docent—a love of art, enthusiasm and an interest in working with all age groups are the characteristics we’re looking for in volunteers. For more information about becoming a volunteer, please contact Cynthia Collins, Curator of Education, at collinc5@miamioh.edu or call (513) 529-2243.
ART MUSEUM
Visual Arts at Miami
12/19/16 1:09 PM