Ways To Extend Learning Outside of the Classroom

Hello all! As a way to extend learning outside of the classroom I have decided to give you some links on where you can enjoy, participate or observe art around you! These websites have great ideas about how to get out an explore the world of the visual arts! I encourage you to see what's out there! Learn without knowing that you are! It happens all the time, we just have to look for it!

1. http://gallerydellapiana.blogspot.com/
Here is a blog of a woman who runs the Gallery Della Piana. The gallery is located right in Wenham, Massachusetts and is a great way to explore art of visiting artists, or even local artists of all ages. Just recently the gallery has hosted illustrator and auther Tomie dePaola's art seen in his world famous children's books. In our class we will be looking at some of his works are starting points and inspiration for some book illustrations, so I encourage you to make the trip over before it closes on May 14th. Going to galleries such as this one, is a great way to get exposure to the arts around us! Because this is such a local gallery, I am looking into opening a show of our class's works, as well as some other works from our school. This would be a great oppurtunity to strut our stuff! Not to mention, a great chance to be in the middle of the art world! The owner of the gallery can be reached on this blog, so go to her with any questions about the gallery, its history, its upcoming shows, you name it!

2. http://www.mfa.org/
The MFA is a great place to go explore the history of fine arts! There is everything from mummies to early European art work. There are exhibits of jewelry, photography, paintings, drawings, prints, instillations...practically anything you can think of having to do with the visual arts! Keep posted for some exclusive exhibits that come through! There have been some absolutely fasinating pieces and my students should never miss out on a time to explore! This museum is great for something to do on the weekends, as well as a possible educational field trip! Not only is going to the museum a great way to experience what we are learning outside of class, but you can also learn a lot on their website. The link that I provided shows multiple images of art displayed at the museum, as well as historical context to some of the pieces and exhibits. This link will also provide you with other shows that will be coming around the area or pictures of shows previous. There is great information on the artists that shouldn't be missed. It is truly a great site!

3. http://www.museumofbadart.org/index.php
At first glance, this website just seems to be full of, well, some bad art. But I encourage my students to have fun on this website, as well as going further and actually going to the museum. Located in Dedham and Somerville Massachusetts, the Museum of bad art is a great resource to look that the other side of the art world. This is art that may not be loved by all, but shouldn't be missed! This kind of exploration of art allows students to get a glance at the art that didn't make it into the finest of museums or galleries. Some of the pieces come literally right from the trash or yard sales. It is important to see that this means that art is in the eye of the beholder. Students may hate something of theirs that they make, but it is refreshing to see that even bad art can be celebrated! Art in whatever form it comes is meant to be fun, expressive and meaningful. I believe that all pieces can find meaning in someone. And that someone might just be you!

So have fun at these places that I have suggested for you! Visit, explore and get a real sence of the art around you! Then come back and share what you found.

Happy searching!
Miss Fontaine