After looking at existing museum programs geared towards other marginalized groups, such as adults with Alzheimer's, I propose a project plan to fill the noticeable lack of programming for adults with special needs.Looking at the Art Institute of Chicago’s programs and collection of art objects, specifically, I hope to show that activities and events are needed and possible using existing models and materials at the museum. The proposed event for adults with cognitive disabilities would consist of an engaging, sensory tour of a portion of the Art Institute of Chicago collection, followed by a time of art-making with individual and group components, giving participants a new opportunity and establishing the precedent of accessibility for all.
Part I: We will tour the museum and look at 4 pieces of American Art (each piece is in the American wing of AIC in close proximity of each other for easier movement during transitions), to consider identity and place. During the discussion part make sure to try and let every participant have a chance to speak.
Piece 1: Elizabeth Spawhawk-Jones, The Shoe Shop, 1911 (Gallery 272) * have some shiny shoes and vintage hats to play with Exploration Questions: Where is this picture set? How do you know? Who do you see in this picture? Do you dress like this? Do you go shopping? Is this like the store you go to? Piece 2: Georgia O’Keefe, The Shelton with Sunspots, NY, 1926 (Gallery 271) *play a sound clip of city sounds such as car horns, trains, etc. Exploration Questions: What do you think this picture is of? Do the sounds fit the picture?Does it look like the city? Describe the weather. Describe the building. What are other ways that a city and its building be depicted? Piece 3: Grant Wood, American Gothic, 1930 (Gallery 263) *pass around hay, and speaker can where a straw hat for added fun! Exploration Questions: Where do you think this painting is set? when? Why? Does this place look like home? What about compared to the last picture of the city? Do these people look like your family or friends? Do they dress like you? Piece 4: Thomas Hart Benton, Cotton Pickers, 1954 (Gallery 263) *pass around cotton. Have participants touch and smell it. Exploration Questions: Where is this painting set? When? What is the weather like? Do you think it is summer or winter? What are the people doing? Have you ever farmed or been to a farm? Have you ever been down south? How is that different than Chicago? |
Part II: Following the tour we will have a time for art making, still going along the theme of “Identity and Space.” Each participant will be given an octagon of card stock (already cutout) and then in the middle of the table are different colors of paper scraps, fabric scraps, glue and markers. Participants will be asked to think about “home”, such as a room, a place or an object that is their favorite part of home or just one they think represents their family. Then they can decorate their “quilt piece” (octagon paper) to make a quilt piece of their home. Home is usually the first formational part of identity so it is a good place to start. Starting questions: Have you ever seen a quilt? Do you have a quilt at home? What is your favorite part of home? What one object or space represents home to you? Kitchen? bedroom? outside in the garden?
Next, have a large piece of paper hung on a wall. Each participant will show their piece to the group, talk about it and add it to a large piece of paper (with tape or stapler). The octagon pieces will be linked, starting from the middle of the large piece of paper and moving outwards.
Ask the participants what they think about the finished quilt. Think about how there are lots of identities and “homes” in the group but when they are put together it makes a community.
Materials and Equipment:
For Part I: hats and other dress up clothes, hay, cotton plants, straw hat, sound clip of city sounds (could be played off of phone, or have a speaker to be louder)
For Part II: Fabric scraps, scissors, glue, markers, cardstock, large banner paper, tape, colored paper scraps.
All materials will be pre cut smaller shapes and the beginning octagon of cardstock. By having a variety of materials, participants can think about texture, making the art activity more sensory oriented. We are pre cutting the materials for ease and time management, since our audience’s technical abilities should not overshadow the learning from the theme and socialization during art-making with the group.
Evaluation: My criteria of success is the observation of an expressive and fun experience of all participants. I hope to provide an engaging activity and space to people who usually do not get access to such experiences. I will gather evidence through photo and follow-up surveys that can be answered by participant or caregiver. If participants are willing, ask them a few questions and record to be transcribed later.
Next, have a large piece of paper hung on a wall. Each participant will show their piece to the group, talk about it and add it to a large piece of paper (with tape or stapler). The octagon pieces will be linked, starting from the middle of the large piece of paper and moving outwards.
Ask the participants what they think about the finished quilt. Think about how there are lots of identities and “homes” in the group but when they are put together it makes a community.
Materials and Equipment:
For Part I: hats and other dress up clothes, hay, cotton plants, straw hat, sound clip of city sounds (could be played off of phone, or have a speaker to be louder)
For Part II: Fabric scraps, scissors, glue, markers, cardstock, large banner paper, tape, colored paper scraps.
All materials will be pre cut smaller shapes and the beginning octagon of cardstock. By having a variety of materials, participants can think about texture, making the art activity more sensory oriented. We are pre cutting the materials for ease and time management, since our audience’s technical abilities should not overshadow the learning from the theme and socialization during art-making with the group.
Evaluation: My criteria of success is the observation of an expressive and fun experience of all participants. I hope to provide an engaging activity and space to people who usually do not get access to such experiences. I will gather evidence through photo and follow-up surveys that can be answered by participant or caregiver. If participants are willing, ask them a few questions and record to be transcribed later.
This project proposal can be adapted for a specific collection and set of resources.