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K-12 School Programs
The RISD Museum’s School-Visit Programs engage students in grades K–12 in object-based lessons, helping them develop visual-literacy skills and an appreciation for works of art. Students learn to look carefully at works of art in our collections and special exhibitions and articulate their ideas about them. These facilitated engagements provide vital support to many curricular areas, including history, literature, science, and math, while building skills related to observation, analysis, critical thinking, and problem solving. Our programs also support state and national standards for historical perspectives, social studies, English language arts, and the visual arts.
Guided Visits
Museum educators and docents lead theme-based one-hour visits. During a visit, students explore a selection of works through discussion, writing, drawing, or small-group work in the galleries.
The following themes are suggested, but a conversation with a RISD Museum educator about your curricular needs and interests will further determine the best structure and content to meet the needs of your students. Book your visit now.
All Grades
Highlights from the Collection
Examine the basic elements of art through this introduction to significant works from the Museum’s collection, including objects from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and art of all periods from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, up to the latest contemporary works. Recommended as an introduction to museums and the concepts of shape, line, color, texture, and material.
Grades K–3
Picturing Stories
Explore paintings that tell stories and relate to historical and literary narratives. Recommended for students studying storytelling, narrative, character, and mood.
Places Real and Imagined
Discover the different ways in which artists represent places, whether the city, the country, or imaginary lands. Recommended for students studying landscapes or cityscapes, communities, contemporary environments, architecture and planning, and other related topics.
Peasants, Presidents, and Pioneers
Explore the decisions an artist makes in representing people. Recommended for students studying portraiture, memoir, character, narrative, historical figures, representations of leadership, and other related topics.
Grades 3–12
Exploring America
Consider American identity and experiences from the colonial period to the present and make critical connections between significant events in U.S. history, American literature, and works of art and design. Recommended for classes studying Rhode Island and U.S. history, American literature, and the role of art in American society.
Ancient Gods, Heroes, and Myths
Discover the significance of myths, gods, and heroes in ancient Egypt, Etruria, Greece, Rome, and China. Recommended for classes studying ancient cultures, geography, mythology, history, and literature.
Painting Modern Life
Learn about artists of the modern era, including the Impressionists, and gain an understanding of why their portrayals of the people, places, and ideas they encountered called for new means of expression and experimentation. Recommended for classes studying modern European and American history, urbanism, literature, and authorship.
Artists’ Ideas, Materials, and Process
Consider the choices artists make to communicate their ideas, including subject matter, style, and media. Recommended for classes making and studying artistic process, authorship and innovation.
Self-Guided School Visits
Self-guided visits allow ten to fifteen students or adults to enter the Museum for a scheduled visit. These visits can be scheduled up to two weeks in advance.
Book Your Self-Guided Visit Now!
Dig the Museum: Building Cultural Connections (Grades 4–12)
Available exclusively to Providence public school students, this multi-part program connects works of art to classroom curriculum. After RISD Museum educators visit the classroom for a preview session, students visit the Museum for a tour that builds on classroom learning. Teachers are also provided with follow-up resources. Busing and admission is provided for and arranged by the Museum. To learn more or schedule a session, please call 401 454-6546 or email mlefast@risd.edu or jsackett@risd.edu.
Topics include, but are not limited to
Grades 4-12
The American Experience
Explore American identity and experiences from the colonial period to the present and make critical connections between significant events in U.S. history, American literature, and works of art and design. Recommended for classes studying Rhode Island and U.S. history, American literature, and the role of art in American society.
Rhode Island: Past and Present
Consider experiences of and encounters between Native Americans and colonists, and investigate the impact of local and international trade, industry, and immigration. Recommended for classes studying Rhode Island and American history and literature.
Think Like an Archeologist!
Discover what objects reveal about the myths and customs of the ancient societies of Egypt, Etruria, Greece, Rome, and China. Recommended for classes studying the history of ancient civilizations and the role of art in diverse societies.
The Enduring Myth
Explore the significance of myths and investigate their changing representation in different cultures throughout history. Recommended for classes studying history and literature with a focus on narrative and story.
Society and Politics
Study works of art in relation to the social and political contexts in which they were created and consider the strategies artists use to promote awareness, reflection, and change. Recommended for classes studying world history, politics, current events, civics, and literature.
Comparative Religions
Examine objects made for religious purposes and develop a better understanding of the religious and cultural contexts that produced them. The role of the visual arts in religious practice and rituals is highlighted, as well as the differences and similarities among religious objects and religions. Recommended for classes studying world cultures and the intersections between art and religion.
Artists’ Ideas, Materials, and Process
Consider the choices artists make to communicate their ideas, including subject matter, style, and media.. Recommended for classes making and studying artistic process, authorship and innovation.
Careers in Art: A Museum Perspective
Introduce students to the people and expertise that make up an art museum, including curating, marketing, and design and communications work. Museum professionals lead interactive discussions focused on skills, work experiences, and educational background. Recommended for students exploring careers in the arts.
Art and Literature
Through discussion and writing, explore how works of art create character, mood, narrative, and drama; how artists interpret literary texts; and the ways that historical context shapes works of art. Recommended for classes studying literature and practicing skills related to writing, analysis, and self expression.
Identity through Art
Focus on how works of art throughout history convey or relate to ideas of identity. Examine the context in which art was produced and received, and consider works in relation to current conceptions of identity. Recommended for classes studying U.S. and world history, social and political issues, civil rights, current events, literature, and culture.
School Partnerships
The RISD Museum offers in-depth programs that include professional development, curriculum planning, and resource development. Please email education@risd.edu to explore school partnership programs.
