Michener Art Museum Partners with West Chester University to Enhance Teaching Curriculum

Course provides teachers with new lesson and work ideas using the Michener’s collections.

(Doylestown, PA) The “Visualizing Words & Worlds: Writing, Literature and Art” program at the James A. Michener Art Museum offers participants a distinctive opportunity to explore connections among the visual arts, writing and literature. Teachers will discover the powerful synergy between word and image; use the visual arts to respond to reading of all types; experience art workshops in drawing, pastels, print making, and sculpture using found objects; and find inspiration for writing in these art forms. The pre-course meeting for participants is scheduled for July 9 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm; the program runs from July 21 through 25.

Adrienne Neszmelyi-Romano, director of education, new media and interpretive initiatives at the Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, PA, and Teacher-Consultants, Tricia Ebarvia and Mark Boland coordinated the course through the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project (PAWLP).

“We are thrilled to be continuing this partnership for our 14th year with the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project through West Chester University. This program has demonstrated that not only can teachers think creatively about approaches to their curriculum, but they can also use artwork as springboards for learning in multiple subjects. This is at the core of what we teach at the Michener,” notes Romano.

“Visualizing Words and Worlds is a course that has transformed my teaching. Through the investigation of visual arts and literature, I have been able to add a creative dynamic to my classes while also increasing rigor. We cover material that will work in kindergarten through advanced placement courses,” stated Mark Boland.

The Writing and Literature Project uses the Michener’s collections in stimulating language arts of all kinds. Teachers come away with interdisciplinary curriculum lesson ideas and work applicable for their classroom, which support the State and Common Core Standards in Education. Starting in July, classes will be held at the Michener, and enrollment is limited to 25 participants, who will earn three graduate credits from West Chester University. For registration information, contact the Pennsylvania Writing and Literature Project Office, West Chester University at 610.436.2202. Visit www.pawlp.org or MichenerArtMuseum.org for more information.