Art Within Reach (2020-2021, 2019-2020, 2015-2016, 2014-2015, 2013-2014)
The signature component of Palm Springs Art Museum’s education program is Art Within Reach, which provides an authentic arts education experience that fulfills California state-mandated arts programs for 3rd grade students. Art Within Reach introduces inter- and cross-disciplinary connections between art, science and math, promoting students’ abilities to solve problems, analyze knowledge, generate insights, synthesize new relationships among ideas, and make meaningful connections across subjects.
The field trip to the museum includes a docent-led gallery tour and participation in an art project. This program also instills in students a level of comfort with Palm Springs Art Museum as a friendly place in which to see and experience art and engage in self-discovery.
Participants include 3rd grade students at four Desert Sands USD Title 1 schools: John F. Kennedy, Carrillo Ranch, Lyndon B. Johnson, and James Madison.
Eyes On / Hands On (2017-2018)
Eyes On/Hands On is a two hour field trip program designed to inspire and cultivate art appreciation in elementary-aged students from across the Coachella Valley. Each theme-driven museum tour and accompanying art lesson investigate the Elements of Art and Principles of Design using the museum’s permanent collection and temporary traveling exhibitions, and is informed by the California Visual Arts Content Standards.
Accessibility to art education is a crucial component to a well-rounded education that allows children to explore their creativity during interactive process-based learning experiences. It has also been shown to encourage critical thinking and interpersonal learning through artwork interpretation. Art Education is a tool that can have a profound impact in the classroom and beyond, but is often neglected due to limited time and resources.
The Eyes On/Hands On program offers a unique field trip experience that addresses this need for exposure to art education and with a concentrated effort to reach out to underserved schools, the program seeks to foster inclusiveness for all communities.
