High School Programs

High School Seminar	High School Studio Workshops
High School Summer Institute	Volunteer Opportunities

High School Seminar

Using the rich collections of the National Gallery as a resource, this multiple-session program introduces upper-level high school students to art history, art techniques, and museum careers. The program employs a thematic approach: students learn about the art and the museum by discussing original works in the galleries, researching an artist of their choice, and keeping a journal to explore their own artistic development. Behind-the-scenes visits with museum professionals, such as curators, designers, and educators, introduce various museum careers. The program culminates with student presentations of their own art (a work inspired by an artist in the Gallery's collection). Sessions meet for ten Saturdays, 10:00 a.m to 1:30 p.m. (lunch is provided), between October and February. Attendance is mandatory at all ten sessions.

The 2007–2008 schedule:

October 13, 20, 27
November 17
December 8, 15
January 12
February 2, 9, 23

This program is a partnership between Washington, DC metropolitan area schools and the National Gallery of Art. Students must be sponsored by their art teachers. Only one student per school will be accepted.

Student requirements and sponsoring-teacher responsibilities

For more information, contact the High School Seminar coordinator at (202) 842-6256.

High School Studio Workshops

Each year High School Studio Workshops provide students and teachers with a thorough look at a particular artist or style. The workshops include an in-depth examination and discussion of works of art followed by a related, hands-on studio activity.

This year's workshops will focus on modern printmaking and the exhibition Let the World In: Prints by Robert Rauschenberg from the National Gallery of Art and Related Collections. Students will survey the development of Rauschenberg's prints, from early black-and-white lithographs to later color images that combine several print processes. Since the 1960s, the artist has experimented with techniques and materials, such as manipulating traditional processes, and explored printing on unconventional papers. Rauschenberg often adapts and transforms images from popular culture to reflect the changing times. An introduction and discussion will be followed by a one-hour, hands-on printmaking activity.

The workshops will be offered from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the following dates:

March 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

To register, please choose a date and e-mail it along with your name, the name and address of your school, and the school telephone number to: highschoolstudioworkshops@nga.gov.

High School Summer Institute 2008

Each June, a select group of high school students spends two weeks exploring the National Gallery of Art from the inside out. The High School Summer Institute introduces students to a variety of art careers through behind-the-scenes tours and job shadows, fosters discussions about art in the Gallery's collection, and includes work on a public art project. The program is designed for students with a genuine interest in art and museums and a desire to work collaboratively with teens from across Washington, DC.

Participants are chosen through a competitive application process. Students enrolled in grades nine through twelve in a school located in the District of Columbia are eligible to apply. For more information, e-mail highschoolinstitute@nga.gov.

The 2008 High School Summer Institute will take place from June 16–27, 2008. The application deadline is March 28, 2008. Read a detailed description of this year's program.

Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students

The Department of Teacher, School, and Family Programs recruits local high school student volunteers for the fall term (September through December), spring term (January through May), and summer term (June through August).

Student volunteers assist with clerical and administrative tasks that support the department's education programs. Typical activities include preparing materials for art projects, data entry, photocopying, collating, filing, and assisting during teacher programs.

Candidates for the High School Volunteer Program must be rising juniors or seniors with a mature, positive attitude and a strong work ethic. The schedule will vary weekly, based on the number of projects to be completed. The time commitment can range from four to sixteen hours per week, with periodic weekend work as well. Service hours will be documented and may be submitted for school-based community service credits.

Parking will not be provided.

Applications for the spring term must be postmarked by January 7, 2008. Applications for the summer term must be postmarked by May 12, 2008. Applications for the fall term must be postmarked by August 8, 2008. Please direct further inquiries to intern@nga.gov or to:

High School Volunteer Program-DET
Division of Education
National Gallery of Art
2000B South Club Drive
Landover, MD 20785

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