Oftentimes it takes having something be part of your life day in, day out to truly begin to understand it. Students will find ways to live with a single work of art for a week and see what happens.
Have students find a work of art in the Museum that speaks to them for any reason. They should take a photo of that piece, write down its information from the label, or get a postcard of it in the Museum shop. Students should print out their photo or an image from collection.mam.org and display the artwork for the week somewhere they spend time every day. You might have them do it at their desk or in their locker at school; they could make it their cell phone or laptop background; or they could keep it at home near their bed, desk, or bathroom. Students are welcome to research the work of art or artist, or they can keep it a mystery.
After the week is up, lead a discussion with your students about what they learned. You might also have them write a written reflection or keep a journal for the week as they think about their chosen work of art.
Discussion Questions:
- Is there anything you realized about your work of art while having it with you for the whole week?
- Did you do anything differently in your daily life because it was there?
- Did you enjoy “long looking”?