Unlock your creativity with the Des Moines Art Center’s educational programs! Designed to inspire critical thinking, empathy, and meaningful connections, our programs bring art to life through dynamic exhibitions and world-class collections. The Art Center is perfect for bringing your class for a field trip that they will never forget. Students will explore lectures and gallery talks, multigenerational events, performances by artists and dancers, and guided tours throughout the museum.
With a wide range of galleries and exhibitions throughout the museum, educators have numerous options to explore. From abstract illusions to imaginative phantoms and time travelers, the opportunities to observe and appreciate art are endless.
The center loves to host classrooms of all ages and prioritizes making each visitor feel welcome while also promoting the arts to help them understand. Educators can prepare their class for the field trip by previewing various exhibits in advance and selecting those that are likely to engage and inspire students of all interests. The docent will provide a general tour, leading with curiosity that fills the young minds of students. Students are encouraged to express their thoughts on the galleries and are led in an educational conversation where they gain more information about what they see and feel regarding the art pieces.
The Art Center offers free educational resources and activity guides perfect for classrooms of all ages. The Exploring the Art Center Grounds – Walking Guide leads the group through the park to examine the sculptures on the grounds in Des Moines’ Greenwood Park. The guide features insights into the sculptures along with open-ended activities that encourage art exploration without requiring materials or prior expertise. The Looking Together Interactive Gallery Guide is a great activity for students to examine the gallery closely. The prompts offered are designed to encourage you and your gallery partners to engage more deeply with the artwork, fostering new perspectives and fresh ideas. The collaborative journey uncovers fresh insight into the art world and enriches students in an appreciation they might not have discovered!
While promoting on-site tours and explorations of the museum, the Des Moines Art Center also provides virtual options for teachers who can’t leave the classroom but still want to experience the beauty of the galleries. They also offer online publications featuring various activities that bring the museum to your classroom. In Creative Connections, students can interact with virtual exhibits, examining artworks up close and engaging with prompts that encourage deep reflection. In “Paper Plant Making” with artist Justin Favela, a 25-minute virtual workshop enables students to learn step-by-step techniques for transforming simple paper into a beautiful, colorful plant.
The Des Moines Art Center is the ideal venue for a classroom of curious and thoughtful students eager to explore the beauty of art. From touring unique galleries to gaining hands-on experience as an artist, the museum offers numerous opportunities for all students to engage with and connect to the world of art. Whether exploring interesting exhibits or taking part in creative activities, there’s something for everyone to experience and learn from.
