High School Programs

High School Seminar | Studio Workshops | Advanced Art History Workshop

High School Seminar

Using the rich collections of the National Gallery as a resource, this multiple-session program introduces upper-level high school art students to the study of art history, art-making techniques, and museum careers. As part of a community of like-minded students, participants learn about art and the museum by discussing original works in the galleries, researching themes of their choice, and making personal connections through art-making. Behind-the-scenes visits with museum professionals introduce career possibilities. The program culminates with student presentations of research on works in the Gallery's collection and completion of an original artwork inspired by that research.

Sessions meet for ten Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the exceptions of October 13 and January 12, which conclude at 3 p.m. Attendance at all ten sessions is mandatory. Lunch will be provided.

The 2012–2013 schedule:

October 13, 27
November 10, 17
December 8
January 5, 12
February 2, 23
March 2

The High School Seminar is a partnership between schools in the DC metropolitan area and the National Gallery of Art. Students must be sponsored by their art teachers. Only one student per school will be accepted.

Student requirements and sponsoring teacher responsibilities

For more information, contact the education assistant for the High School Seminar at (202) 842-6905.

High School Studio Workshops

High School Studio Workshops will focus on the upcoming exhibition Faking It: Manipulated Photography before Photoshop opening in February 2013.

These two-part workshops include an in-depth examination and discussion of works of art in the galleries followed by a related one-hour studio activity. Workshops are taught by museum educators specially trained for this program, who will encourage students to look carefully at the art and share their reactions, formulate theories based on observations, and make connections between art and life. Students should come to the workshop prepared to participate in group discussion.

Following the gallery discussion, students will create a work of art inspired by the subject matter and techniques encountered on the tour. The studio project will reinforce what students discover during their tour from their point of view as creators.

A minimum of 20 participants is required to reserve a date; up to 25 students may participate in a single workshop. A single school may request no more than two workshop dates.

The workshops begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 12:30 p.m. on the following dates:

February 25, 26
March 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28
April 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19

High School Studio Workshops Registration Form

Please address questions to HSStudioWorkshops@nga.gov.

Advanced Art History Workshop

How can observing and discussing works of art in a museum setting support high school art history students? This program provides participants with opportunities to critically analyze original works of art. Students will discuss how artistic intention and cultural context affected the form, style, and meaning of objects related to the theme of the "Figure in Art." This workshop traces the changing appearance and meaning of the figure from the late Byzantine period through contemporary depictions. Working in the galleries with specially trained museum educators, students will hone their skills in careful observation, interpretation, and essay writing through a variety of guided activities. Although this program is designed for Advanced Placement Art History and International Baccalaureate students, all students of art history are encouraged to attend.

Teachers may register to bring their classes on the following dates:

• Tuesday, April 23, 2013, 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 30, 2013, 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Students may register individually for a workshop on the following dates:

• Saturday, April 27, 2013, 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
• Sunday, April 28, 2013, 10:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Attendance is limited to 30 students per session.

Teachers and students: please call (202) 842-6905 to register for a session.

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