We hope you will be able to better introduce your students to the Gallery by performing an in-class activity before your visit. You will find this activity with the One-Visit Program options at each grade level.

GRADES K–2

The ABCs of Art (45 minutes)

Reading has the ABCs. Art has line, color, shape, and texture. A child must learn these basic elements of the visual world so that they can interpret and become visually literate. Experiencing these elements in his or her own environment, as well as in works of art, is an important aspect of a child’s early education and will, according to some studies, help develop reading readiness. Students will learn these basic building blocks of art and sharpen their observation skills, while being introduced to the differences between painting, sculpture, and other media. Since most are visiting the museum for the first time, they will also be introduced to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery as both a museum and an important part of the Western New York community.

Pre-visit Activity (PDF)

GRADES 3–5

Read Me a Picture
As your students are becoming more proficient readers, this tour builds on the Kindergarten– Grade 2 visit, further sharpening their observation skills and their ability to verbalize responses to works of art, elements necessary for both literacy and critical thinking. Close observation of works of art can reveal an artist’s intention and help the viewer to interpret meaning in ways similar to interpreting literature. Students will be encouraged to approach works of art based on their own background and experience, play games to practice their observation skills, and see how diverse artists use different approaches to express themselves. They will be introduced to the information that can be obtained from a museum label as well as different genres of art, such as portraits, landscape, still life, and complete abstraction.

Pre-visit Activity (PDF)

GRADES 6–8

Modern Art for a Modern World
At this age, students are learning that history can enhance their understanding of the present, both in their individual lives as well as in their communities and the world at large. Art is a reflection of that history, and through observing and discussing works of art, students learn not only about the artist and the work itself, but also about the historical or cultural context in which it was created. This tour focuses on the art of different countries and eras right up to our contemporary world. Students will compare and contrast the many ways works of art reflect the time and place in which they were created and see for themselves how contemporary work reflects our own times.

Pre-visit Activity (PDF)

GRADES 9–12

Meeting the Artist Halfway (One hour)
Students in these grades should be able to express their thoughts and feelings about works of art and explore more sophisticated questions such as: Why is it art? Why is it in the museum? Is art always beautiful or can work that makes you feel uncomfortable be art too? They will use different questioning techniques designed to help them start exploring on their own in museums, and learn a little about how museums select and install the artwork on view.

Pre-visit Activity (PDF)

OR

Artist’s Intention (One hour)
What was the artist thinking? Why does a work of art look the way it does? Focusing on just a few selected artworks, your students will work in small groups to explore, in depth, what is beneath the surface in Modern and Contemporary art. Your students should arrive with pencils to make notes while in the galleries. Paper will be provided.

Pre-visit Activity (PDF)

For your class’s second visit to be most effective, we require you or another collaborating educator to perform an in-class activity before their second visit to the Gallery. This activity has been designed to give students an introduction to what they will be doing in their second visit, whether it be thinking about how an artist might use math and science, getting practice in observation and detail for a writing activity, or making connections between different subject areas. You will find this activity with the Two-Visit Program options at each grade level.

GRADES K–2

First Visit: The ABCs of Art (45 minutes)
Reading has the ABCs. Art has line, color, shape, and texture. A child must learn these basic elements of the visual world so that they can interpret and become visually literate. Experiencing these elements in his or her own environment, as well as in works of art, is an important aspect of a child’s early education and will, according to some studies, help develop reading readiness. Students will learn these basic building blocks of art and sharpen their observation skills, while being introduced to the differences between painting, sculpture, and other media. Since most are visiting the museum for the first time, they will also be introduced to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery as both a museum and an important part of the Western New York community.

Activity for Between Visits (PDF)

Second Visit: Sing and Dance Me a Picture (45 minutes)
Students will sharpen their visual skills, verbalize responses to works of art, and work cross-disciplinarily in music, movement, and art. Areas to explore include works of art inspired by music; artwork created by musicians; and the interpretation of parallel elements in art, music, the spoken word, and movement.

Please email grouptours@albrightknox.org if you would like to participate in the two-visit program.

GRADES 3–5

First Visit: Read Me a Picture (One hour)
As your students are becoming more proficient readers, this hour-long tour builds on the Kindergarten - Grade 2 visit, further sharpening their observation skills and their ability to verbalize responses to works of art, elements necessary for both literacy and critical thinking. Close observation of works of art can reveal an artist's intention and help the viewer to interpret meaning in ways similar to interpreting literature. Students will be encouraged to approach works of art based on their own background and experience, play games to practice their observation skills, and see how diverse artists use different approaches to express themselves. They will be introduced to the information that can be obtained from a museum label as well as different genres of art, such as portraits, landscape, still life, and complete abstraction.

Activity for Between Visits (PDF)

Second Visit: Write Me a Picture (One hour)
Students will learn about the stories told by works of art, and complete a writing exercise that focuses on one or two artworks to sharpen the connections between visual literacy and English language literacy. Make sure each student brings a pencil to write with (pens are not allowed in the galleries); paper and clipboards will be provided.

Please email grouptours@albrightknox.org if you would like to participate in the two-visit program.

GRADES 6–8

First Visit: Modern Art for a Modern World (One hour)
At this age, students are learning that history can enhance their understanding of the present, both in their individual lives as well as in their communities and the world at large. Art is a reflection of that history, and through observing and discussing works of art, students learn not only about the artist and the work itself, but also about the historical or cultural context in which it was created. This tour focuses on the art of different countries and eras right up to our contemporary world. Students will compare and contrast the many ways works of art reflect the time and place in which they were created and see for themselves how contemporary work reflects our own times.

Activity for Between Visits (PDF)

Second Visit: Postcards Home (One hour)
Students will discuss works of art and then “travel” in a time machine to the era in which a work of art was made. Using clues from the artwork, object label, and what they know or have learned about history, each student will take notes and then write an essay about a work of art and how they think it reflects the time and place in which it was made.

Please email grouptours@albrightknox.org if you would like to participate in the two-visit program.

GRADES 9–12

First Visit: Meeting the Artist Halfway (One hour)
Students in these grades should be able to express their thoughts and feelings about works of art and explore more sophisticated questions such as: Why is it art? Why is it in the museum? Is art always beautiful or can work that makes you feel uncomfortable be art too? They will use different questioning techniques designed to help them start exploring on their own in museums, and learn a little about how museums select and install the artwork on view.

Activity for Between Visits (PDF)

Second Visit (Option 1): What Ism Is It? (One hour)
Impressionism? Cubism? Abstract Expressionism? What does it all mean? This tour introduces students to many of the major art movements of the twentieth century and how they are reflected in art of the twenty first century.

Second Visit (Option 2): Artist’s Intention (One hour)
What was the artist thinking? Why does a work of art look the way it does? Focusing on just a few selected artworks, your students will work in small groups to explore, in depth, what is beneath the surface in Modern and Contemporary art.

Second Visit (Option 3): Special Exhibition (One hour)
Tour the Gallery’s current special exhibition with your students.

Please email grouptours@albrightknox.org if you would like to participate in the two-visit program.