Learning & Engagement

Museums engage and inspire. Th ey teach and enlighten. At the Farnsworth Art Museum, we take that responsibility one step further by partnering with area schools on arts integration programs that happen in the museum and in the classroom. It may surprise you to learn that our partnerships with area schools and teachers make a $2 million direct investment in local arts education.

Recently, we launched an interdisciplinary arts integration and community engagement program for middle- and high-school students in midcoast Maine. “ARTS@theIntersection” has roots in our long-term Arts-in-Education “Stories” program, and meets teachers and students where they are—a very diff erent place than several years ago.

Dr. Alexis M. Saba, the museum’s new school programs manager, leads the partnership. Saba brings experience working with educators and youth on topics related to critical thinking, social justice, and gender in education.

ARTS@theIntersection: Building Connections through the Arts

ARTS@theIntersection involves some 100 students from Vinalhaven, Riley School, Lincolnville Central School, St. George Municipal School Unit, Oceanside Middle School, and Medomak Valley High School.

Students visit with local community partners—including Herring Gut Coastal Science Center, The Landing Place, and The Telling Room—for expeditionary learning experiences.

“Bringing the arts to any subject allows students to express themselves creatively, engage differently, and think critically about new topics,” said Dr. Saba, who has seen art transform learning as a teacher, a researcher, and as a collaborator with educators and schools.

To better address emerging needs in the aftermath of the pandemic, Dr. Saba and the Learning & Engagement team visited classrooms and worked extensively with educators to test different approaches. Teachers reported increasing pressures and expectations coupled with fewer resources. Youth across the nation have experienced lingering anxiety and depression due to physical and social isolation. Teachers emphasized that students now have additional needs for relationship-building, trust, social-emotional learning, and confidence-building skills to prepare them for the next steps in their academic journeys.

“ARTS@theIntersection begins with foundational workshops at the museum that support critical thinking and civic engagement skills,” explains Saba. “The work we’re doing fosters students’ creative connections and addresses the effects of isolation.”

“We pair student groups with local artists who are selected for their teaching abilities as well as their experience working in multimedia formats. Many of our teaching artists are also advocates for change,” said Saba. A unique and exciting component of the program will be a dedicated study and gallery space—opening this spring— where students can explore art inside the museum and work up close with Farnsworth collections, some of which are in storage and seldom seen by the public.

The program culminates in a multimedia exhibition featuring student-driven work for the participants' friends and family and museum visitors. Stay tuned for opening dates and related programming. We can’t wait to see what they create, and to share our learning with you!

The Farnsworth Learning & Engagement team presents a vibrant public education program including workshops, artmaking, in-thegallery events, tours, and interpretative programming. To learn more or support our education efforts, contact Ann Holton at aholton@ farnsworthmuseum.org.

Ways to Give

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Support the Farnsworth in its mission to celebrate Maine’s role in American art and receive free admission and other important benefi ts all year long.

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Leadership-level members support a season of exhibitions and related educational programs and enjoy behind-thescenes tours and exclusive benefi ts.

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