Using the Art Museum - Book Review

Arts & Activities, Jan, 2003 by Jerome J. Hausman

(2001; $17.95), by Denise L. Stone. Davis Publications, Inc., 50 Portland Street, Worcester, MA 01608-2013.

During the past 50 years, we have witnessed the dramatic growth of education departments in our art museums. As our museums have become aware of their community ties, they have focused greater attention upon their educational outreach. Denise Stone's book provides a general overview of the current state of art museum education in the United States. As she puts it: "The process of including the museum can be thought of as a journey, from gaining inspiration for classroom discussions to the development of lessons and units for studio, criticism, aesthetics, and art history investigations," (p.13). The book contains general discussions of museum fieldtrips, ways to bring the museum to the classroom, steps in working with museum educators, and the use of the Internet as a museum education resource.

Clearly, teachers should not think of museum visits as a "one-shot" experience. This book makes clear that there is a great deal to do in follow-up activities after the visit. Museums can now be thought of as active partners and collaborators in school efforts. This is an ongoing partnership in which each of the institutions can benefit.--J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 394 on the Reader Service Card.