15 ways to use the FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART to support teaching, research, informal education, and enjoyment
“The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is an essential resource for the OU School of Art & Art History. Although it serves as a venue for many of the school’s events, including student art exhibitions, visiting artist lectures, film screenings, and symposiums, most important is the fact that encounters with the FJJMA’s diverse collections inform and inspire our students in both their research and creative activity. I have always found the museum to be open and receptive to collaboration. In the summer of 2013, I had the opportunity to team with the museum on a unique undertaking. “Road to Ruscha” was a collaborative, multidisciplinary, research-based art project inspired by painter Edward Ruscha’s work, No Man’s Land, and the 50th anniversary of his landmark book, Twentysix Gasoline Stations – each of which is now in the permanent collection of the FJJMA. The central element of the project was a road trip from Oklahoma City to Los Angeles that followed journeys made by Ruscha more than 50 years prior. The trip included students and faculty from the University of Oklahoma representing diverse fields of study such as art, art history, geography, and environmental sustainability. Along the journey, students engaged in a variety of collaborative projects and site visits derived from the works of Ruscha and specifically from the original twentysix gasoline stations pictured in the book. The highlight of the trip was a visit with the artist in his Los Angeles studio – a visit arranged by the museum.” - Todd
Stewart
Associate Professor OU School of Art & Art History
Photo by Sherwin Rivera Tibayan
15 ways to use the museum: 1. Experience the real thing. The museum’s collection includes nearly 16,000 objects. Experience original works of art, develop visual literacy, and explore how art communicates, connects, and inspires. 2. Make the museum your “classroom.” We can help you build course assignments based on the museum’s collections, exhibitions, and programs. From tours to gallery guides, we can help tailor a museum visit relating to your curriculum. 3. Travel the world. Your students can study a variety of world cultures throughout time by looking at art. Many regions of the world can be examined such as Asia, the Americas, Europe, and more. 4. Go behind the scenes. Want to show your students artwork not currently on display? Arrange for a special visit with the Registration department to see up to 30 works from the museum’s permanent collection currently in storage. These special visits require a three-week notice. 5. Make art from art. Students and faculty in art, music, dance, theatre, creative writing, and other disciplines draw inspiration from the museum’s exhibitions and collections for original choreography, music, poetry, and more.
6. Give your 2¢. Serve as an advisor on the museum’s Faculty Advisory Board to help us better serve the university audience. Learn about upcoming exhibitions and contribute to discussions on university outreach. 7. Host your event. Book the museum as the venue for your special event. From lectures and meetings to luncheons and receptions, we have the perfect space for your upcoming event. 8. Ask the museum staff. Museum staff members are available to present lectures in a wide array of course areas, including: art history, education, non-profit management, exhibition design, event planning, and public relations. 9. Share your expertise. Contribute to the scholarship of the museum by presenting a lecture or other public program in your area of expertise related to our collections or special exhibitions. 10. Be part of the action. Become a museum member so your family can enjoy membership benefits while supporting the FJJMA’s exhibitions and acquisitions. Encourage your students to join the Art Museum Ambassadors.
Unknown (Persia) Shahnama: Rustam Capturing the Emperor of China, 1600-1625 Wentz-Matzene Collection, 1936
“During Concepts in Biology, we send the students in with a worksheet that asks them to apply ecological concepts to the paintings at the museum. For example, we ask them to find a painting with high species diversity, or low species diversity, or interactions among species, or human impacts on the environment. Once they have chosen a painting we ask follow-up questions — e.g. describe the interaction or identify species that must be present but are unseen. We added this exercise because students really like to get out of the lab, and they should know and be proud that OU has such a fantastic art museum. Also, it’s a novel way to combine art and science. I love encouraging students to look at and interpret the details in art.”
- Mariëlle H. Hoefnagels Associate Professor Departments of Botany-Microbiology and Zoology
“Geography is spatial and dynamic, as is art. Emphasis placed on how people modify various landscapes and places in unique and selective ways is important. Geography 1103, titled Human Geography, explores various global topics such as language, religion, urbanization, agriculture, economics, population, and political structures, through the lens of cultural impact and cultural differences. Our culminating class experience is an application and melding of course content and spatial thinking. For the final exam, the museum is reserved for just Geography 1103 students. Their task is to locate three works of art of their choice, any genre, any medium, and write about them. Descriptions include speculative and real observations regarding their art selections, specifically addressing both the physical and human landscape modifications that they see. This experience provides students with a personal interpretation of art and its relevance to geography; it also creates lasting new impressions, perspectives, and understanding when observing works of art.�
- Gary Gress Lecturer Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability
Photo by Sherwin Rivera Tibayan
11. Have fun with family. Attend a film or art demonstration. Create your own artwork during Art Adventures or Family Days. Learn together at any of our free public programs. 12. Help create a museum exhibition. Do you have an idea you think would make a worthwhile exhibition? Faculty members and students may serve as guest curators for special exhibitions, rotations, or installations of the permanent collection. 13. Continue learning. Public programs and exhibitions expand your knowledge of the world. Faculty workshops are offered to help kickstart your involvement. Subscribe to the museum’s e-Newsletter through our website to stay in the loop. 14. Go with a guide. Schedule a guided tour for your class or department with a museum docent, or arrange a visit facilitated by a museum staff member. These visits require a two-week notice. 15. Visit on your own. Assign students to visit the museum to complete course assignments. Lead your class on a self-guided tour. Utilize the museum’s audio tour. Anytime you plan to visit with more than five students, please let the museum know a few days before your arrival.
FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART SE Corner of Boyd & Elm | www.ou.edu/fjjma We are here for you! The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art invites faculty members to use the museum and its resources to support curricula, research, and social engagement. Whatever your field of study, you will find the museum offers something for you and your students.
Learn more Visit www.ou.edu/fjjma for further information on the museum and to sign up for our e-Newsletter. Become a member by visiting the museum or our website. Social Media Become a fan of us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube Contact Jessica Farling, Curator of Academic Programs, jrfarling@ou.edu, 405.325.5990
Hours Tuesday through Saturday Fridays Sundays Closed Mondays and holidays
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Admission to the FJJMA is always free, thanks to the generous support of the OU Office of the President and the OU Athletics Department!
For more information and accommodations on the basis of disability, call 405.325.4938. The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. www.ou.edu/eoo