Students Learn Science Behind Art at Muscarelle

By Amber Lester Kennedy Thursday, April 28, 2011

When viewing art, some people expound on the artist’s intent, while others comment on the artist’s technique. But after this week, more than 800 area children will be able to explain the science behind a piece.

Third, fourth and fifth grade students are participating in an interactive field trip called “Science Behind Art” at the Muscarelle Museum of Art from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday through Friday. The students, who attend schools in Williamsburg-James City County, Newport News, Hampton and York County, will learn how different artistic mediums work.

Students participate in six different stations. For example, they will receive a geology lesson on how clay is formed and fired; a botany lesson, using vegetables for printmaking; math lessons on perspective; and physics lessons on color using a color wheel. Each lesson is taught by William and Mary students who are currently interning at the Muscarelle.

While there, the students are also touring the current exhibition, “Marlene Jack: Retrospective.” The exhibit celebrates the 37-year career of William and Mary ceramics professor Marlene Jack. Jack began teaching ceramics at the university in 1974, the same year she received an MFA from the University of Minnesota. She will retire from full-time teaching at the end of this semester, but plans to teach part-time.

For the general public, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Docent tours are available at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $10 for special exhibitions, $5 for regular admission and free for museum members, W&M faculty, staff and students, and children under 12. For more information, click here.