Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC)
For grades 4 and 5
Discover common themes throughout history and across cultures in this multivisit program.
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ABC Details
Students explore select areas of the Museum’s collection through a series of prescheduled two- , three- , or four-visit guided tours. Students will gain familiarity with the Museum and build confidence viewing and discussing art with peers and educators. Each 90-minute tour is designed to make connections across cultures, time periods, subject areas, and media. Teachers can choose from six themes that offer diverse artwork selections, activities, and prompts that emphasize critical thinking, active learning, and opportunities for personal connections. All ABC students receive a sketchbook and pencil to record their responses through a range of hands-on writing and drawing activities.
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ABC Themes
Amazing Art Materials
From paint to bottle caps and clay to copper wire, explore the unlimited possibilities of art making.American Journeys
Critically investigate the multifaceted histories and diverse cultures that have shaped the nation and the stories of artists while identifying present-day connections. Historical topics within this tour may include events and experiences such as the relocation of Indigenous people to reservations, racial tensions and segregation, Japanese internment camps, and more.Artists and the Outdoors
Explore how nature finds its way into art making, from depictions of the natural world to the use of organic materials in the creative process.Full STEAM Ahead
Explore how artists think critically, experiment, and collaborate with other disciplines to find inventive solutions.Powerful Portraits
Learn how artists throughout time have captured the likeness and story of figures. This tour extends the boundaries of portraiture by identifying and discussing emotions, personality traits, and body language in artwork.Storytelling and Art
Discover the many ways that art and storytelling have been intertwined through creative movements, illustrated narratives, performances, and more.
Museum Explorers
For grade 5
No passports needed! Reflect on how art can connect people, places, and stories across the globe.
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Museum Explorers Details
Fifth-grade students are invited on a special 90-minute adventure through the Museum’s galleries. Featuring highlights from across the collection, this single-visit experience allows students to journey through different regions, cultures, and time periods. Along the way, each student will receive a sketchbook and pencil to capture observations, respond to creative prompts, and explore ideas through writing and drawing. Together, students will discover how art can connect people, places, and stories across the globe.
No Place for Hate
For grades 6–12
Consider the many ways to be a confident ally and active community member.
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No Place for Hate Details
What’s your superpower? Through the use of their personal skills and talents, students will discover how they can become confident and brave allies and play an active role in unifying their communities, reducing hate, and increasing allyship. They’ll consider the ways they’re already equipped to make positive changes in their school and community. Through these discussions, students can identify and nurture their own superpowers, including their skills, talents, and abilities. As the tour comes to a close, students will receive additional prompts and activities to support their ongoing efforts in building an inclusive school climate.
The No Place for Hate program by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is a school-wide, student-led initiative that aims to promote inclusivity and equity in schools. In collaboration with the ADL, the Saint Louis Art Museum offers a specialized museum visit intended to support the goals of No Place for Hate.
Both the No Place for Hate and the AMPLIFY tours meet the qualifications for the ADL’s No Place for Hate program.
AMPLIFY
For grades 6–12
Explore the connection between art and social justice through an interactive tour and art making.
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AMPLIFY Details
How do artists use their voices to tell important stories of social change? How can we amplify the issues we care about and create change? Students will explore artworks and stories that celebrate ways artists (or their subjects) have overcome obstacles, repurposed materials or ideas, or used their unique perspectives and creativity to advocate for inclusive communities and values. Following the tour, students will engage in art making to more deeply examine themes from the tour in relation to their own lived experiences.
AMPLIFY is a joint program by the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, and Saint Louis Art Museum. Schools are welcome to register for one visit to a single institution or multiple visits across institutions during the school year. Please fill out a form with each institution.
Missouri Learning Standards for Visual Arts: VA:Cr2C, VA:Re7A, VA:Re7B, VA:Cn10A, 9-12.GV.1.PC.A
Both the No Place for Hate and the AMPLIFY tours meet the qualifications for the ADL’s No Place for Hate program.
Exploring with the Artist
For grades 6–12
Dive into the Museum’s exhibitions alongside professional artists.
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Exploring with the Artist Details
Exploring with the Artist is a studio workshop that brings middle and high school students into contact with regionally, nationally, and internationally renowned contemporary artists. This program is an extraordinary opportunity for students to interact with a professional artist and learn about their background and practice. Students participate in a guided tour in the galleries and art making guided by an artist instructor. This program is offered periodically throughout the school year.