Education Programs
ART ELEMENTS is an art education class for students in 2nd-12th grades that offers individual instruction, guidance, constructive critique, and encouragement through age and skill-appropriate activities in a group setting. It includes supplies and instruction for elementary, middle, and high school students, focusing on the Elements of Art, Principles of Design, and Visual Thinking Strategies over 12 class periods.
As students progress, instruction turns toward independent critical thinking and art-making, with guidance, constructive critique, and encouragement. All students are eligible to enter the annual Youth Art Month Juried Student Competition at AMoA in March.
The Instructor: Brenda Howell, retired RPSB Art Teacher
Mrs. Howell was an art teacher with the Rapides Parish School System for over 30 years and retired in 2019. Her approach with students is warm, open, and supportive, always encouraging personal creativity and self-expression.
Art Together: Intergenerational Art Classes
Art Together classes encourage participants to bring a group along for an afternoon of artistic collaboration. Classes are free for members and only $20 for non-members, which includes up to 5 participants. Classes are generally designed to be accessible for all ages and skill levels and happen once an exhibition period.
Visual Thinking Strategies
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a research-based literacy program that uses student-led discussions about art to promote critical thinking, language and writing skills. The museum currently trains students in LSUA's Department of Education in the method to be implemented in their classrooms. Each group goes through two years of training, starting at the museum and through continued in-class visits with museum educator, Cindy Blair. Throughout the last few years, the museum has trained over 50 student teachers in this impactful method that promotes critical thinking, raises self-esteem in all students, and encourages lively and productive discussion.
Outreach through Art Education
Through Art Education Outreach, the Museum seeks to engage the community in activities that will enrich overall educational experiences in ways that cannot always be accomplished in the regular classroom. Our partnership with Carter C. Raymond Junior High School in Lecompte provides art supplies for the school, instruction for targeted grade levels, and opportunities for the community to come together to create! Creating art builds self-esteem and confidence, aids in the development of social skills, and promotes acceptance of others and allows them to experience success that will translate into other academic areas.
The Alexandria Museum of Art is proud to partner with Louisiana Charities Trust, the Rapides Parish School Board, and the faculty, staff and students of Carter C. Raymond Junior High School.