Educators
Our Vision for Students of All Backgrounds
We offer a wide range of resources designed to enhance educational experiences for teachers and students alike. From detailed lesson plans and curriculum guides to engaging workshops and on-site tours, we provide tools that make art accessible and inspiring to all. Sign up for our Quarterly Educator Newsletter to receive updates on upcoming educator programs, new curriculum, and our latest offerings for engaging students in American art.
Schedule a Tour
Educator Gallery Night
Educators are invited to the Hunter Museum for free on Educator Gallery Nights! Enjoy access to hands-on activities and classroom resources during the Education Workshop starting at 4pm, then stick around for the opening of our newest exhibition at 6pm. The workshops qualify for professional development credits and offer educators an opportunity to plan field trips, develop curriculum with museum staff and enjoy time in the museum with each other!
If you are interested in ways to connect your classroom to artwork at the Hunter or integrate art into your curriculum, please contact cbespalec@huntermuseum.org.
Artsbuild Imagine!
Program
ArtsBuild Imagine! program continues to evolve to serve Hamilton County Schools students, connecting them to the arts for more than a decade.
Imagine!, an arts education program created by ArtsBuild in 2010, gives students an early, systematic introduction to the arts and local arts organizations. Through the program, all public elementary schools in Hamilton County can send their students (grades K-5) on a field trip to experience the arts at no cost to families or the school. The 2022-2023 school year is the first full year that Fifth Grade will participate in the program.
Teachers appreciate participating in the Imagine! program because the arts experiences integrate well with state standard curriculum to enhance learning in the classroom. Kelly Shimel, Fine Arts Coordinator for Hamilton County Schools, says, “Arts education and programming helps students develop vital communication and problem-solving skills. Through the support of ArtsBuild, all Hamilton County School elementary school students have access to arts programming which provides equitable access to arts experiences that help our students thrive and experience a future without limits! We are also excited that field trips will resume this year, as nothing can quite replace experiencing the arts in a hands-on or physical performance setting.”
- Kindergarten – Creative Discovery Museum
- First Grade – Chattanooga Theatre Centre
- Second Grade – Chattanooga Ballet
- Third Grade – Chattanooga Symphony & Opera
- Fourth Grade – SoLit Theatre Express
- Fifth Grade – Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
- Fifth Grade – Hunter Museum of American Art
Teachers appreciate participating in the Imagine! program because the arts experiences integrate well with state standard curriculum to enhance learning in the classroom. Kelly Shimel, Fine Arts Coordinator for Hamilton County Schools, says, “Arts education and programming helps students develop vital communication and problem-solving skills. Through the support of ArtsBuild, all Hamilton County School elementary school students have access to arts programming which provides equitable access to arts experiences that help our students thrive and experience a future without limits! We are also excited that field trips will resume this year, as nothing can quite replace experiencing the arts in a hands-on or physical performance setting.”
Student Exhibitions
The Hunter Museum of American Art has space set aside for young artists to showcase their talents. Our Studio Hall is just off the main lobby and has 2 walls measuring approximately 12ft x 3ft on which to hang 2-dimensional artworks.
Each wall can be reserved by a group or school for the full month, for a total of two groups a month. Reservation requests are accepted through the link below. Filling out the form does not guarantee a reservation — our Manager of School and Community Programs, Kris Bespalec, will reach out to let you know if your reservation has been approved. Priority is given to art works that respond or are connected to works or themes in the Hunter permanent collection or temporary exhibitions.
2025-2026 School Year. Two schools can exhibit each month.
- August: Open
- September: Open
- October: Dalewood Middle School and One Wall Open
- November: Normal Park Lower School and One Wall Open
- December: Open
- January: Open
- February: Hunter Teen Art Show
- March: Open
- April: Open
- May: Open
Sign up for a student exhibition
Enjoy these printable educator resources that focus on lessons in the classroom utilizing artwork from the Hunter Museum.
Visit the Hunter
Visitors can purchase tickets either in person at the museum or online in advance.