School Groups

Appreciation or Appropriation

Kente cloth is an intricate and symbolic ceremonial textile that has been handcrafted in Ghana for hundreds of years. Due to trade, immigration, and the global economy, kente cloth patterns and paraphernalia have flooded the Western market. Celebrities, politicians, artists, and businessmen have adopted the image of kente as a symbol of African heritage, diluting the traditional values of the cloth. In this lesson, students will analyze several examples of kente cloth within pop culture and determine if the textile, and in turn Ghanaian culture, is being appreciated or appropriated.

Cultural Repatriation

Throughout periods of colonialism and imperialism, objects of significant cultural value were exported from their home countries and reinstated elsewhere. The civilizations held victim to this unwarranted removal of their objects have struggled to preserve their cultural identities and histories. Now, in the 21st century, countries are calling for their objects to be repatriated. Using an object currently under repatriation debate, students will explore the ethics of exporting art and the role museums play in cultural repatriation.

Hidden Meanings

In our media-heavy world, images and symbols are all around us. Art-makers have relied upon symbols to capture immense ideas and beliefs within their pieces, while simultaneously stimulating the minds of their audience. In this lesson, students will be introduced to an object that exhibits one or multiple symbols and will practice deciphering the piece’s hidden meaning. Students will explore how symbols are powerful forms of communication that are used across history and cultures.

Evolving Greek Beauty

Greek sculpture is often divided into three major artistic periods: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic. The techniques and stylistic elements typical of each period demonstrate the Greeks’ evolving idea of beauty. Students will learn about Greek values during the Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods and how the human form remains beautiful throughout each style.

Myths & Miracles

Using objects in the Cast Gallery, students will be introduced to several Greek myths and Biblical miracle stories. Connections will be made between the stories and the art objects to create holistic narratives. After hearing the stories of the selected artworks, students will be encouraged to craft their own story based on a cast of their choice.

Race & Equality in Norwich

Minority groups have been subjected to injustice and prejudice in America since its discovery. This program shines a light on the experiences of several individuals who faced racial inequality while living in the Norwich area. Students will analyze how themes of race, diversity, and acceptance are intertwined with the history of Norwich and its ever-changing community.