Welcome to the test phase of VMFA’s new Creative Tool Kits! These downloadable zip files provide primary source material for open-ended exploration and creative expression. Each toolkit includes an inspiration sheet, a folder of digital assets, and a process presentation. While many of the tool kits provide opportunities for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities, they are designed for all ages and can be adapted to your classroom.
Tool kits allow students to: 1.) Learn about the museum and its people, 2.) Think of art from new perspectives, 3.) Exercise practical skills, and 4.) Achieve specific learning goals in the classroom.
Tool kits are in the prototype phase and are only available per request. Upon request, you will be asked to provide feedback on your experience with the tool kit(s) and share your work. Understanding how and why the tool kits were used allows us to continually improve these resources, so thank you!
Available Creative Tool-kits:
Hanging an Exhibition
This tool kit uses documentary images, exhibition images, and the original floor plan for VMFA’s Special Exhibition: Posing Beauty in African American Culture (2014) to investigate the behind-the-scenes work of hanging a gallery space. The tools provided allow teachers to create a range of lessons and experiments that challenge students’ math skills, spatial skills, art historical and cultural knowledge, and creativity.
Designing an Exhibition
This tool kit allows students to explore the design files and the planning documents for VMFA’s ArtCycle teaching gallery. The tools provided allow teachers to create a range of lessons and experiments that challenge students’ design skills, spatial skills, coding skills, math skills, creativity, and teamwork.
Collecting Art
This tool kit uses archival material, such as personal letters, tax records, bills of sale, and economic data to investigate the economics of collecting Fabergé decorative art from 1934 to the present day. The tools provided allow teachers to create a range of lessons and problem sets that challenge students’ math skills, logic skills, historical knowledge, and creativity.
Email Courtney Morano at courtney.morano@vmfa.museum to learn more about the tool kits, to request a tool kit, and to obtain a feedback form. Please include “VMFA Creative Tool Kit” in the subject line.