Be a Museum Curator!

PICTURE THIS
Have you ever wondered who gets to choose the works that a museum will put on display? Who decides how an exhibit of artworks should be shown to the public, or what particular style should be highlighted? Such important and creative decisions are made by the museum curator. The curator is responsible for selecting the artwork to be featured and arranging it in displays that are both appealing and informative. The job is as challenging as it is fun. Consider the choices a curator faces. Art shows and exhibits are usually organized around themes. Here are some common themes:

Subject Matter animals portraits landscapes still lifes flowers Style or Genre Abstract Impressionism Expressionism Pop Art

Content Social Protest Environmentalism Religion Labor Media sculpture watercolors drawings prints photographs

Time Period Ancient Classical Renaissance Contemporary Culture American European African Native American

These are just a few examples of the possible choices a curator can make when organizing an exhibit or show. As you can imagine, the job of a curator requires a knowledge of art as well as a creative outlook. You might even say that curating is an art in itself!

Your Assignment:

1. Read your textbook pages 345 before you begin this web quest.

2. Read through the webquest below and READ ALL directions beforehand. You will be responsible for printing out your own worksheet (see below right side? click to open). If you finish early, you may be the curator for multiple shows (and multiple themes) for extra credit.

3. Homework: read textbook pages 342-345 and complete reading comprehension (given to you by the teacher).

Remember to use complete sentences and Standard English for full credit!

Imagine that you have been named Fine Arts Curator of a Cyberspace Museum. Your task is to plan your first art show. First, click on the button that will print out your worksheet. Print enough copies for each museum site you visit. Next, view the artworks at the sites listed in the Artist's Passport. Each museum website will be different and it is up to you to find the links to explore the collection. Then, decide on a theme. Choose five or six works that will suit your theme. Gather information about each work and organize the details you will need to complete your worksheet. You are ready to begin your job as curator.

Artist's Passport Web Links

Monet Bierstadt O'Keeffe Cassatt Latin American Art

Morisot Egypt Petroglyphs Greek & Roman

Mexico Africa Miró Picasso