Association of Art Museum Directors recognizes museum in “Next Practices” guide
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Education programming at the National Museum of Wildlife Art is featured in the Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) just-released “Next Practices in Art Museum Education,” a resource that compiles information about AAMD member museums’ innovative approaches to engaging the public with the arts through diverse learning opportunities.
While the National Museum of Wildlife Art was specifically recognized in the publication for its Open Studio, the museum provides significant educational outreach to its Jackson Hole and greater Wyoming community, including the annual “School Arts Spectacular” exhibition – currently on display at the museum through June 1, 2014 – a math in art program that inspired an award-winning picture book, and “Traveling Trout,” the 2013 installment of a competition that results in cash prizes for Wyoming high school arts programs every five years. The “Traveling Trout” exhibition is currently on display at the Wyoming State Museum in Casper through September 19, 2014.
“The Museum is dedicated to providing exceptional free educational programs for school children via online and onsite curricula, thematic school tours, youth art contests/exhibits, and outreach,” explains Jane Lavino, Sugden Family Curator of Education & Exhibits for the museum, “and we’re honored to have our Open Studio program included in the AAMD’s ‘Next Practices’ resource as an innovative program.”
Specifically recognized via a case study in the “Next Practices” publication is the National Museum of Wildlife Art’s Open Studio, a drop-in, art-making space for all ages centrally located at the museum. “Open Studio was designed to encourage interactive engagement with both permanent collection pieces and travelling exhibitions,” states the AAMD publication. “The space is beautifully designed, with round tables, round red rag rugs, custom painted stools, hanging paper lanterns, and fine art on the walls. It includes four art-making stations, each of which features a custom, creative activity associated with a particular exhibit.”
The AAMD “Next Practices in Art Museum Education” publication features 100 case studies of educational programming that AAMD member museums have designed and implemented. “At their core, museums are educational institutions that play a unique role in complementing and extending their regions’ educational resources for children, students, and adults,” says Chris Anagnos, Executive Director of AAMD, which represents 240 art museums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A pdf of the AAMD’s “Next Practices in Art Museum Education” can be downloaded here.
A member of the Association of Art Museum Directors and the Museums West consortium and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the museum, officially designated the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States by an act of Congress in 2008, provides an exciting calendar of exhibitions from its permanent collection and changing exhibitions from around the globe. A complete schedule of exhibitions and events is available online at www.wildlifeart.org. The museum is also active on Facebook and on Twitter at @WildlifeArtJH.
Media Contacts: Darla Worden, WordenGroup Strategic Public Relations, 307.734.5335, [email protected]