Museum Explorer | Elements of Art

In NUMU’s Museum Explorer: Elements of Art program, students will engage with NUMU’s current art exhibitions and develop their observational and critical thinking skills through close looking, visual analysis and interpretation. This program supports the California State Visual Art Content Standards and is led by a museum staff member. Students will learn about the role of art museums, and the themes, techniques and mediums used by NUMU’s exhibiting artists. Students will discuss elements of art vocabulary such as color, shape, pattern, line, and texture and will be guided through thinking about how these elements convey meaning through art. Inspired by the art at NUMU, students will envision their own original artwork that is inspired by our current exhibitions. 

Questions? Email booking@numulosgatos.org  

Elements of Art Program Goals

  1. To practice speaking and listening skills through carefully looking at and describing works of art.

  2. To consider the role of art as a means of communication and a way of understanding the world.

  3. To get an inside look into the creative practice and process of local artists. 

  4. To observe the interactions between elements of art such as shapes, colors, lines, materials, and figures.

  5. To envision an original work of art based on observations of artwork and themes in NUMU exhibitions.

NUMU’s Lower Floor Buildout Illustration by Barney Davidge

NUMU’s Lower Floor Buildout Illustration by Barney Davidge

K-2

The program for grades K-2 will emphasize elements of art vocabulary through guided close looking exercises at artworks. Students will learn about the role of art museums and the creative process of NUMU’s exhibiting artist(s).

3-5

The program for grades 3-5 will emphasize unpacking the meaning behind artworks through close looking, visual analysis and interpretation. Students will learn about how NUMU’s exhibiting artist(s) use elements of art to convey a deeper message. Students will have the opportunity to think critically about the role of museums in helping people learn about important topics through art.

Teacher Resources

Current Art Exhibitions

NUMU’s Museum Explorer Program is made possible by
The Town of Los Gatos, The Valley Foundation & in part by a grant from the County of Santa Clara’s Historic Grant Program.