Last Friday, I concluded the first Himalayan Art Encounter of the school year with 4th graders at Staten Island Academy, who are studying the Silk Road. The collaboration included two 90-minute sessions at the school and one 90-minute museum visit.
During the pre-visit, the students demonstrated their artistic ability and observational skills through drawings of touch objects from the museum. The drawings were displayed in the hallway of the school for all to enjoy.
Drawings from the Pre-Visit on display
At the museum, students imagined that they were taking a journey through the Himalayas as they climbed up the staircase of the museum and had thoughtful conversations about the artwork. They also had time to do some independent sketching in the 5th floor galleries.
- Gallery Sketch
When I returned to the school a week after the museum visit, the students were eager to share what they remembered. Many of them said that they most enjoyed the atmosphere of the Tibetan Shrine Room.
Classroom board with reflections about the trip
During the post-visit lesson, students painted their own real or imagined personal journeys. They depicted trips by plane, helicopter, boat, and jet pack to the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, Ireland, Hawaii, Australia and many other places.
A student's personal journey to the Great Wall with her sister.
Student's journey scroll in progress
I enjoyed the enthusiasm and talent of the students from Staten Island Academy and will also miss the beautiful early morning ferry commute.
View from the Staten Island Ferry