MONROE - Nadine Whiteman, a Monroe Middle School teacher, has been working for more than a year to include the work of the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association in her curriculum for the sixth grade, and the "Seasons of the Sugar River" exhibit at Monroe Arts Center gave her that opportunity.
The entire sixth grade at the Monroe Middle School, one class at a time, took a field trip in November to MAC. They saw a group show of artwork organized by the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association that includes representations of the Watershed in mediums from photography and photo collages to ceramics and fiber art, as well as oil and acrylic paintings of views of the river.
In addition to viewing the exhibit, the Watershed Association mounted their science display and presentation at Monroe Middle School, allowing students to see both the science and the art of the River Watershed.
Whiteman's students asked her questions about color choices and painting techniques based on the exhibit.
A study at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. concluded that students who visited the museum demonstrated stronger critical thinking skills, displayed higher levels of social tolerance and exhibited greater historical empathy compared to students who had not. The study also concluded that expanding access to art, whether through programs in schools or through visits to area museums and galleries, should be a central part of any school's curriculum. Whiteman is implementing the conclusion in Monroe.
The entire sixth grade at the Monroe Middle School, one class at a time, took a field trip in November to MAC. They saw a group show of artwork organized by the Lower Sugar River Watershed Association that includes representations of the Watershed in mediums from photography and photo collages to ceramics and fiber art, as well as oil and acrylic paintings of views of the river.
In addition to viewing the exhibit, the Watershed Association mounted their science display and presentation at Monroe Middle School, allowing students to see both the science and the art of the River Watershed.
Whiteman's students asked her questions about color choices and painting techniques based on the exhibit.
A study at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark. concluded that students who visited the museum demonstrated stronger critical thinking skills, displayed higher levels of social tolerance and exhibited greater historical empathy compared to students who had not. The study also concluded that expanding access to art, whether through programs in schools or through visits to area museums and galleries, should be a central part of any school's curriculum. Whiteman is implementing the conclusion in Monroe.