artmaking tours

Delve into the art and culture of different peoples through interactive guided tours and artmaking activities. Artmaking tours last two hours and fifteen minutes. Cost is $5.50 per student; free for teachers and adult chaperones.

Grades K–6

Japanese Cherry Blossom Folding Screens

15–60 students (depending on day)

Tuesday & Thursday at 9:45 am

In this tour, which accompanies the Exploring Japan tour, students discover the importance of the changing seasons in Japanese culture. Each student makes an eight-inch folding screen and decorates it with cherry blossoms.

CMCS: Visual Arts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Reading/Writing 2, 4; History 3, 6; Geography 4, 6; Math 3, 5; Science 1

Grades 3–6

Architecture as Artwork

15–60 students (depending on day)

Tuesday–Friday at 9:45 am

Students discover how buildings can be art by creating their own architectural works. This is a perfect companion to the Architecture Adventure tour.

CMCS: Visual Arts 1, 3, 4, 5; Reading/Writing 2, 4; Geography 6, Math 3, 5; Science 1

Grades 3–8

Exploring American Indian Pottery

15–30 students (depending on day)

Wednesday & Thursday at 9:45 am

Pottery is a universal art form that holds special meaning for different groups of people. In this tour, students explore pottery by American Indian artists and look at the design, shape, texture, color, and function of each pot. Students work with clay and make a yucca brush to paint designs on paper.

CMCS: Visual Arts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Reading/Writing 2, 4; History 3, 6, Geography 2, 6; Math 3, 5; Science 1; Economics 3

Grades 4–8

Maya Messages from the Past

15–30 students (depending on day)

Tuesday & Thursday at 9:45 am

Students create an incense burner or decorate a plate and learn about Maya art and symbols by examining artwork and touchable objects. This tour is available in your choice of English, Spanish or bilingual (English/Spanish).

CMCS: Visual Arts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Reading/Writing 2, 4; History 1, 3, 6; Math 1, 3, 5; Geography 2, 6; Science 1