Overview
The Wellin Museum welcomes K–12 school groups to engage with our exhibitions and collections. K–12 school visits are designed to encourage creative engagement with art through close looking, imaginative activities, and dialogue. These visits support all areas of learning by helping students strengthen critical skills such as observing, describing, reasoning with evidence, questioning, connecting ideas, and listening to different points of view.
Docents at the Wellin Museum
As a teaching museum at Hamilton College, the Wellin Museum is a site of experiential learning. K–12 school visits are led by docents, or educational guides, in collaboration with museum staff. The Wellin's docents are Hamilton College students who have a wide range of academic backgrounds and an interest in teaching, museums, and art. They provide an engaging and personable experience for K–12 students and, in turn, they gain valuable teaching experience.
Scheduling
The Wellin Museum of Art would be delighted to organize a visit for your group. During spring 2024, K–12 school visits can be arranged Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from February 20 through June 6. Due to Hamilton College's holiday breaks, school visit availability is limited during the period of March 11–22.
The museum can accommodate up to ninety-five students in one visit. Depending on the size of your group, it may be necessary to divide your students into smaller groups to accommodate everyone. Museum staff will design an itinerary that will ensure a positive learning environment for all students.
In order to accommodate as many groups as possible, we ask that all requests be made at least two weeks in advance of the intended visit date.
Use this form to request a K–12 school visit.
The Wellin Museum is free and open to everyone. Wellin Museum K–12 School Visits are free of charge.
Spring 2024 K–12 School Visit Topics
This spring's K–12 school visits will center on the exhibition René Treviño: Stab of Guilt. Building on the central themes in the exhibition—history, astronomy, and queer identity—these programs will give students a chance to explore symbolism, express personal stories through art, and expand their understanding of what art can be. Hands-on art making is integrated into each program. Read on for more information about specific topics tailored to different grade levels.
Storytelling through Art
Suggested grade level: Elementary
Time frame: 2 hours
Program Description: In this program, students will engage with storytelling and symbolism in the exhibition René Treviño: Stab of Guilt. Focusing on two forms of storytelling that inspire René Treviño—symbols in Mesoamerican art and constellations in the night sky—they will invent imaginative stories about space and create a handmade book to tell their own story. Fourth and fifth graders will make a mini book with a sewn binding and younger students will create an accordion book. Students in all grade levels will be encouraged to think about how art tells stories and why storytelling is an important element of human culture.
Astronomical Art at the Wellin
Suggested grade level: Middle school
Time frame: 2 hours
Program Description: 3… 2… 1… Liftoff! In this program, students will engage with astronomy-focused artworks in René Treviño’s exhibition. Students will embark on a space-themed bingo mission in the exhibition and explore the imaginative and artistic potential of the universe. Taking on the role of an artist, they will imagine and depict a new constellation using contemporary materials found in René Treviño's art.
Symbols and Sequins: Exploring Past and Present
Suggested grade level: High school
Time frame: 2 hours
Program Description: In this program, students will encounter artwork that addresses history, astronomy, and queer identity. The program will give students an in-depth look at René Treviño's monumental sculptural capes, shown for the first time at the Wellin Museum, and his mixed media works on leather. Group discussion will guide students to consider the way events and people are symbolically represented. Drawing inspiration from Treviño's use of Mesoamerican iconography, they will design their own highly adorned vessel using quick dry clay featuring a personalized symbol or image.
WellinWorks
WellinWorks is an interactive educational space designed to encourage creativity within the Wellin Museum. Inspired by astronomy and history—prominent themes in René Treviño's work—this spring's iteration of WellinWorks highlights connections between people across eras and geographies, and celebrates the interconnectedness, playfulness, and optimism explored in Treviño's art. A planetarium offers an opportunity to partake in the universal practice of stargazing and recognizes the importance of astronomy in many cultures throughout history. Stepped seating acknowledges the architectural traditions of the Maya and Mexica cultures. Opportunities for artmaking encourage visitors to express themselves and create visual representations of community. A vibrant array of papel picado, created by Treviño in collaboration with artisans in Mexico City, frames an area for relaxation and reflection.
WellinWorks is open to all visitors during the museum's regular hours through mid-April.