Hunter Museum of American Art

One of the best parts of my job is having the opportunity to look at art through a child’s eyes. For me, it is truly inspiring to observe visiting elementary school groups “getting to know” the Hunter Museum’s permanent collection.

I’ve watched these groups as their bright eyes travel around a work of art and their minds are absorbed in their surroundings. They are oblivious to the fact that they are learning to be critical thinkers. They are learning how the past, present and future all impact the world they know. They are learning not only to express their own points of view, but also learning to listen to others and learning to be respectful of views very different from their own. They are learning to search for and offer reasoning that supports their observations and opinions. They are learning to disclose how a work of art makes them feel, as well as how to find the words to describe what they are feeling.

Additionally, art tends to be a great equalizer and the galleries become a neutral setting where all students are empowered. I have heard time and time again firsthand from many educators, how pleased they are (and oftentimes surprised) when a student generally known for not participating in the classroom setting or perhaps even known for being disruptive in the classroom, appears to “come alive”, “shine” or becomes “magically transformed” during their class visit to the Hunter Museum of American Art. Isn’t this evidence enough that the arts teach many lessons and that arts in education is indeed essential for our children?

I hope the future will bring a greater awareness of the importance of arts in education and that more schools will routinely use art museums and other resources “in their own backyard” as an extension of the classroom.

Schedule a group tour on our Web site.

Linda Millard, Education and Tour Specialist