GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR RURAL ARTS VISIT

We’ve broken down the teaching materials into “before, during, and after your visit” to best prepare you and your students for your time with these exhibitions.

The Rural Arts Initiative (RAI) is designed to bring art education to rural communities with limited access to museums and art resources. The program addresses challenges such as inadequate funding and long travel distances by offering touring exhibitions that integrate with school curricula. These exhibitions are designed to engage K-12 students, with host organizations providing secure facilities and staff at no cost. Financial support for travel expenses is available for qualifying schools, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to experience art in an accessible way.

Before the Visit:
Before visiting the exhibition, take time to prepare your students by discussing the basics of the exhibition, art concepts, and museum etiquette. Use our Visual Thinking Guide, Exhibition Resource Guides, and Glossary of Terms to help introduce key vocabulary and themes. Encourage students to think about what they already know about art, how art can be interpreted, and what they might expect to see. The RAI exhibitions are often hosted in non-traditional spaces, so museum etiquette-respecting the artwork, staying with the group, and using quiet voices-remains important. Setting these expectations helps students feel confident and ready for the experience.

During the Visit:
The goal during the visit is to engage your students with the artwork, prompting them to reflect on their initial thoughts and observations. Encourage them to think critically and creatively about what they see, hear, and feel. Use the Visual Thinking Guide to help guide conversations, asking questions that provoke deeper thinking, like “What do you think is happening in this piece?” or “How does this artwork make you feel?” Art not only fosters creativity but also enhances critical thinking and emotional intelligence-skills that support learning across all disciplines. Allow your students to actively participate in the experience, making connections to what they already know and challenging their assumptions.

After the Visit:
After the visit, provide time for students to reflect on their experience and share their thoughts. Encourage them to further their research by asking questions like, “What did I learn from this experience?” and “What do I still want to explore about this artwork or artist?” Use the lesson plans and resources provided to dive deeper into the topics, helping students expand on their curiosity. These activities can be adapted for various learning styles, ensuring every student can engage meaningfully. The goal is to encourage a continued exploration of art, expanding what students know and want to discover.

Your Feedback:
Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and helps us continue to improve and enhance the Rural Arts Initiative program. We highly encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences, as it ensures we provide the best possible experience for you and your students. After your visit, please take a moment to provide feedback through our evaluation forms or directly to our team.

Thank you for bringing your students to experience art in a way that fosters creativity and critical thinking! If you need further assistance or have any questions, please contact our Education and Rural Arts Director, MJ McHugh, at mjmchugh@ndmoa.com or 701-777-3599. 

Rural Arts Lesson Plans

Activities

Activities