ArtWorks is a unique visual literacy program for NYC public elementary schools that combines classroom workshops and a guided tour at The Met Museum or Brooklyn Museum. Volunteers are trained as workshop instructors serving schools throughout the five boroughs and as tour guides in both museums. ArtWorks programs are offered free of charge to NYC public elementary schools.
ArtWorks is a unique visual literacy program for NYC public elementary schools that combines classroom workshops and a guided tour at The Met Museum or Brooklyn Museum. Volunteers are trained as workshop instructors serving schools throughout the five boroughs and as tour guides in both museums. ArtWorks programs are offered free of charge to NYC public elementary schools.
Programs
Introduction to Fine Art
Third Grade
A broad overview on how to look at visual art where students learn critical thinking skills in inquiry-based discussions.
Instructors conduct five workshops in a six week period.
Workshop I: Architecture
Workshop II: Sculpture
Workshop III: Painting
Workshop IV: Decorative Arts
Museum Visit: The Met or Brooklyn Museum
Workshop V: Program wrap-up
Museum Visit
Classes are divided into small groups. Volunteer guides take these groups through the museum to get an up close, personal look at the art they studied in class.
ArtWorks in the American Wing
Fourth Grade
Designed to complement the fourth grade social studies curriculum, students study early American art using their visual literacy skills developed in the third grade program.
Instructors conduct four workshops in a five week period.
Workshop I: Native and Colonial America
Workshop II: The American Revolution
Workshop III: A Changing Nation
Museum Visit: American Wing, The Met Museum
Workshop IV: Program wrap-up
Museum Visit
Classes are divided into small groups. Volunteer guides take these groups through the American Wing visiting the art and period rooms they studied in class.
ArtWorks Remote Learning Program
Our Remote Learning Program provides schools with a flexible online version of our standard programs. ArtWorks volunteer instructors conduct the lessons during online class meetings with the teachers. The Remote Learning Program was developed for schools during the 2020 pandemic when schools went remote and museums were temporarily closed. Schools welcomed the program for the 2020-21 school year. As students return to schools in the 2021-22 school year, ArtWorks offers schools the option to continue virtual classroom workshops or return to our standard in-person classroom workshops. Contact us to hear more about our Remote Learning Program.
Volunteer Training
ArtWorks provides training for all volunteers. Volunteers attend a 5-week training course exploring best practices for inquiry-based learning and visual thinking strategies for both classroom and museum. Our volunteer training program was developed in partnership with the Metropolitan Museum Education Department. Training sessions are scheduled as needed throughout the year. All ArtWorks volunteers are screened in compliance with standards established by the NYC Department of Education. Learn more about volunteering.