AG's annual report 2009 - Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery

PUBLIC PROGRAMS &
EDUCATION REPORT
Public Programs & Education Report
The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery embraces lifelong
learning. We seek to connect to as broad an
audience as possible through first-class programs
designed to engage new and existing audiences with
contemporary art, ideas, and visual culture in relevant
and enriching ways.
In 2009, the Public Programs and Education
Department enhanced existing programs in significant
ways and laid the groundwork for a number of
new programming initiatives with particular emphasis
on community engagement and a commitment to
diversity.
School-Based Programs
Think Art
Think Art, our series of art appreciation workshops,
uses critical thinking activities to enrich students’
understanding of art and create connections to
other subject areas. Workshops prepare students for
a visit to the gallery and are available for grades K-2,
3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. Based on the popularity of Think
Art, we plan to launch three new workshops in early
2010 to reflect every grade at the elementary level.
Teacher Kit Workshops
and Evenings for Educators
Launched in 2007 and using artwork from KW|AG’s
permanent collection, these workshops offer information
on artists and artworks, discussion questions
for the classroom, and hands-on artmaking sessions
using simple materials available at all schools.
With resource links, extension ideas, and curriculum
connections, these workshops are a popular
program for local teachers. This year’s workshops
included introductory sessions on illustration and
pastel techniques.
Expressions 34: A Celebration of
Student Art from Waterloo Region
and Re-mix
Expressions 34 celebrated the artistic achievements
of young people in our community and considered
the themes of House + Home, Flora + Fauna, You + Me
and Bits + Bites, encouraging discussions about identity,
home, memories, society and the environment.
Student artwork was exhibited alongside professional
artists’ work from KW|AG’s permanent collection
to illustrate common interests and perspectives
within each theme. Interpretive activities further
engaged children in deepening their understandings
of the themes presented and encouraged them
to make connections to their own work and that of
their peers.
Re-mix 2009 featured artwork by students who
participated in Tour and Studio workshops during
the winter 2009 exhibition season. Responding to
the themes presented in ANTHEM: Perspectives on
Home and Native land, students created personalized
flags that explored cultural identity and the
complexities inherent in defining a nation.
Education Gallery
This year, we launched an education gallery in the
downstairs corridor outside the entrance of the
studio to serve as a teaching resource for artisteducators
during studio-based programs. The
gallery features 20 artworks from the permanent
collection selected to showcase exemplary skill in
drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture and
includes artists such as Stanley Lewis, Jane Buyers,
and Elizabeth Eastman.