Check our Programs and Events page for upcoming educational programming. 

Education

University Museums is foremost an educational resource for Iowa State University students, faculty, and staff. University Museums works side by side with university departments, faculty members, and student groups to provide an environment that fosters visual literacy and physical and intellectual access, as well as creativity.

The University Museums education staff maintains a working relationship with Iowa State University, local K-12 schools and the community in an effort to design and present educational tours and programs that meet classroom needs. Our programs are tailored to the diversity of our university and address an audience comprised of students, academics, public school children, and community members.    

 

Visual Literacy and Object Learning:

To arrange an in-class or site specific Visual Literacy or Object Learning session or for more information on these topics please contact Allison Sheridan, Education Specialist for University Museums at 515/294-4442 or email her at aclone@iastate.edu. Please be prepared to provide the preferred date, time of day, name of group, number in group, location for the session, and contact information. 

For an Adobe PDF copy of Visual Literacy: 7 Ways to Read an Object click here. 

For an Adobe PDF copy of the Object Learning Work Sheet click here. 

To download Adobe Acrobat Reader click here.

 

Educational Programming:

Each semester, University Museums presents tours, programs, and events designed to educate and enlighten audiences about art and culture. The following is a description of each type of program classification:

All Access programs allow participants a behind-the-scenes or in-depth look into University Museums operations or current exhibitions.

Family Day Events provide a tangible outlet for children to experience current exhibitions through craft activities, participatory games, and performances.

Performance programs consist of plays, dance, or music in conjunction with current exhibitions.

Museum Speaker Series consists of formal lectures to enhance audience knowledge of current exhibitions.

Big Brain Café is "how-to" programming that embraces artistic processes and management techniques, as well as programs that foster an open forum environment for the exchange of ideas and/or techniques.

Life Drawing Sessions are open drawing studios where a model is provided.

Film Series programming incorporates short and long films to enhance current exhibitions.

Wednesday Walks are walks dedicated to enhancing audience awareness and knowledge of works of art included in the Art on Campus Collection.

Special Events are programs such as exhibition receptions, celebrations, installations or dedications that take place throughout the year.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all university Museums sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in these programs, please contact the University Museums office in advance at 515-294-3342.

 

Tours and Busing FAQ's:

How do I arrange an educational tour?

To arrange a tour of the Brunnier Art Museum, Farm House Museum, or Art on Campus Collection, please contact Amanda Hall, Education Assistant for University Museums at 515/294-4442 or email her at ajhall@iastate.edu. Please be prepared to provide the preferred date, time of day, name of touring group, number in group, location for the tour, and contact information.

Is there a charge for educational tours?

Effective July 1st, 2004, all coach bus and adult tours will cost $5.00 per person--this charge covers tours of the Brunnier Art Museum, Farm House Museum, and the Art on Campus Collection.  Educational tours outside museum open hours are $75 per hour per museum educator in addition to the regular per person cost.    There is no charge for educational tours to ISU classes/clubs and public/parochial school groups during open hours.  Two weeks notice is required when booking tours.  Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours in advance.

Do I need to schedule a self-guided tour?

It is not necessary to schedule a self-guided tour. A suggested donation of $3 per person is recommended for individuals visiting the museums during open hours.

Can I schedule museum space for a class?

University faculty and staff are invited to use University Museum exhibitions and collections for teaching purposes.  University Museums welcomes all educators to hold their classes at the Brunnier Art Museum or Farm House Museum.  Depending on the current exhibition, the Brunnier can accommodate up to 100 students.  Chairs can be ordered for class lectures and discussions.  The Farm House Museum can accommodate 25 students at a time for class purposes. Two weeks notice is requested. To schedule museum space for a class, please contact Amanda Hall, Education Assistant for University Museums at 515/294-4442 or email her at ajhall@iastate.edu. 

How can I use museum programs as an educational resource?

University Museums hosts a variety of program series.  Programs vary from dance or open forums, to artist’s talks and expert scholars.  All programs are designed to educate and inform audiences about current exhibitions and collections.  University Museums welcomes faculty to require attendance at these programmatic offerings through the issuance of a “culture card” to students.  Students who attend programs will have their card stamped at the end of the program for credit. Culture cards can be obtained from the University Museums office in 290 Scheman Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Summer Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.) Programs generally last one hour unless otherwise noted. For a listing of current programs click here.