Art Education

FIG EARLY CHILDHOOD ART
School programs for students in grades Pre-K to 2nd grade at the Whatcom Museum Family Interactive Gallery provides several grade appropriate programs. FIG tours encourage learning through interactive activities that emphasize the connection between the visual arts and other disciplines while building communication, critical thinking and visual literacy skills. To schedule a visit contact FIG Lead Educator by  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call 360/778-8935. 

Fun at the FIG
Join our Family Interactive Gallery educators as they demonstrate how students learn about art, nature and history through inquiry-based learning techniques. (75 minutes of fun and learning in the FIG!)

Stories in Art
This tours includes the introduction of an artist, media or art element through storytelling and hands-on art making experiences. (75 minutes; includes storytelling, art-making and time for self-exploration in the FIG)

Twin Bear Story Pole
Through a variety of activities inspired by Rand Jack’s Twin Bear Story Pole, students will learn about the life cycle of a tree, explore the process used to create the story pole, and discover the meanings of different kinds of poles in Native Northwest cultures. (75 minutes; includes Story Pole activities and time to explore the FIG)

Art FUNdamentals
Art FUNdamentals Interactive Tour
Through inquiry-based dialogue, sketching, writing and other activities students learn how to describe, interpret, and discuss the works of art in the galleries. (Available for grades 3 - 12, 30 - 60 minutes)

Art FUNdamentals Tour plus Studio Experience
Head to the Lightcatcher Studio after your tour for an art-making experience exploring concepts learned on the gallery tour. (Available for grades 4 & 5, 30 - 60 minutes)

Optional Art FUNdamentals Pre-tour Visit
Exhibition and art concepts, featured artists, and selected works of art are introduced to the students prior to their museum visit in their classroom with a visiting museum educator. (Designed for grades 4 & 5 - 60 minutes)

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART APPRECIATION
These programs are brought to your school and are great for middle school art and core classes who are unable to visit the Museum. Cost per student is $3 per student or $1.50 per student for Title 1 schools. To schedule a visit  contact our Education & Public Program Coordinator by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or call (360) 778-8961.

Creative Design: The Artist’s Eye
This interactive PowerPoint presentation explores visual literacy highlighting three important aspects of visual art and graphic design: how artists use visual design elements and principles effectively, how ideas and emotions are expressed in art and graphic design, and how creativity is expressed in visual art. Concepts are reinforced with quick creative sketching activities. (Allow 1 hour)

Which ISM is it? 20th Century Art Styles
Students are introduced to a dozen iconic artworks by 20th century masters. The students compare and contrast images, write poems, and keep track of their findings using stickers in booklets to gain skills in looking at and discussing art and understanding how art connects to other cultural and historic events. (allow 1 hour)

TOURS OF CURRENT EXHIBITIONS
Take a look at our current exhibitions and decide what works best for your class, then contact the education department (360) 778-8961 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to schedule a tour!

SPARK bonus! When coming with two or more classes, you can schedule tours to rotate between the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention (formerly AMRE) and the Whatcom Museum. For more information about SPARK tours and schedules contact Anne Bargetz at (360) 738-3886.