Family Programs

Family programs provide opportunities for children and adults to create art together and build literacy skills.

STORYTIME IN THE GALLERIES
Fridays, 10:30–11:15 am
February 29 – May 9, 2008
Preschoolers, toddlers, and infants with adults welcome. No reservations required for families. Preschool classes must call in advance.

It’s storytime in WCMA’s galleries! Join us for a reading of contemporary and classic children’s books—selected especially to connect to artwork on view. Look at artwork, enjoy readings, and learn about stories and art together. Each week has a different theme.

Special thanks to the Williamstown Library for their assistance.

Storytime in the Galleries offers a special program for teen parents. Call for information. Special thanks to the Williams College Office of Community Engagement for their assistance.


Season Premiere Party and an Annual July 4 Tradition: The Declaration of Independence and the British Reply
Friday, July 4, 2008
Join us to celebrate the museum's new summer exhibitions. Hear actors from the Williamstown Theatre Festival as they read the Declaration of Independence and the British Reply. This Williamstown tradition takes place at the museum following the Williamstown Parade. Refreshing treats will be available.The Founding Documents of the United States of America will be on view at WCMA in the exhibition Manifestos: American Dreams and Their Founding Documents.

Printmaking Workshop: Making a Mark in the World
July 21–25 and 28, 2008
2:00–4:00 pm
Reservations required. Ages 13–18.
Teens are invited to explore the art and technique of printmaking, with inspiration from the exhibition William Kentridge Prints. This hands-on workshop is a collaboration with Northern Berkshire Creative Arts. Call NBCA 413.663.8338 to register.

School Programs

Guided Tours
Guided tours facilitate inquiry-based discussion of the artwork, followed by hands-on activities that explore aspects of the exhibition. Reservations are required. Confirmation packets include information and activities to assist with integrating the museum experience into the school curriculum.

Museum Associates Program
Guided tours and activities are conducted by Museum Associates, college students and community volunteers, who are dedicated to sharing their passion for art with others. Our Museum Associates serve as important role models and mentors to younger students and demonstrate a commitment to education. Museum Associates are selected for this competitive program after studying art history and studio art at Williams. A yearlong training program deepens their knowledge about the exhibitions, art history and practices, teaching strategies, and the role of the museum.

Encounter Art
February 12–May 9, 2008
Elementary, Middle, and High School
From ancient art in our collection to special exhibitions on contemporary photography, the range of artwork at the museum offers endless possibilities for curriculum connections. Shape your own encounter with art by planning an individualized tour and activity with education staff. Last year, for example, groups focused on one work of art that illuminated an area of study; developed a theme, such as “City and Country,” which traced a path through art history; designed a unit on Mesopotamia; studied a genre such as portraiture or a technique such as drawing; and viewed our collection of African art and created masks for a parade through the galleries.

This February and March, don’t miss Untitled (Placebo) by Cuban artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres—an  installation made out of candy that you can eat!

The Founding Documents & American Art
February 19–May 9, 2008
Elementary, Middle, and High School
The Founding Documents—the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Articles of the Confederation—are on view in the museum starting this spring! View these rare documents alongside exceptional examples of American art. Discuss what it means to be an American and learn how artists represent fundamental American principles in their artwork. Express your rights through artmaking activities that incorporate image and text.

Points of Departure
February 26–May 9, 2008
Middle and High School
Our special exhibitions explore how contemporary artists use history, current events, memories, and symbols as points of departure in their artwork. The exhibition Unchained Legacy features artwork by Willie Cole and Hank Willis Thomas created in response to the Middle Passage, along with historical texts from the Chapin Library. William Kentridge: Prints presents intricate, layered prints that link politics and autobiography as well as a video by this renowned South African artist. Artmaking activities allow students to explore their own set of personal and cultural symbols.

Self-Guided Visits
Groups are welcome to tour the galleries on their own. Reservations are required. Limited to 20 students, with one chaperone for every 10 students. Please plan on dividing your class into small groups, informing students about gallery rules, and working with students to look at and discuss art together.

MAKING CONNECTIONS: MULTI-SESSION PROGRAM
We are pleased to design multi-session programs that include gallery visits and artmaking activities tailored to your group’s needs. Through these individualized programs, we hope to make the museum’s resources more accessible to students, community groups, and those with special needs. Programs include three sessions: one visit to the gallery and two artmaking sessions at the school or community center.

For school groups of any grade level
This multi-session program combines museum and school visits to create a connection between art and the curriculum. Projects use art and writing to build students’ literacy skills.

NEW Forcommunity groups and groups with special needs
This multi-session program creates an opportunity for experiential
learning. Projects explore themes and skills relevant to each group.

RESERVATION ESSENTIALS
All guided tours, self-guided visits, family programs, and teacher workshops are FREE!

Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday
10:00-11:30 am and 12:30-2:00 pm
Duration: 1 ½ hours

Reservations are required for guided tours, self-guided visits, and workshops. Space is limited. Please contact us at least three weeks in advance.

Travel reimbursement: We can reimburse your school for transportation costs up to $75 per visit for a total of seven trips per year. Request the bus subsidy at the time you place your reservation.

Teachers’ Programs

School Outreach Presentations
On request
We would be pleased to present our education programs and exhibitions to teachers and staff in a short 20-minute PowerPoint presentation at your school and to discuss ways that the museum can be of service to you.

Individual Consultation
We are always available to speak with you and plan curricular connections, create specialized programs, and find ways to enhance your experience with us.