Inside many art galleries are collections of art. While some institutions are lucky enough to have large buildings that publicly display these collections for the world to see on a permanent basis, most art galleries and museums have to keep their collections safely stored away and are only hung on the walls every once-in-awhile. The University of Lethbridge Art Gallery has a vast collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and artifacts – far more than what can be put on display in the main gallery space and the Helen Christou Gallery space combined! The times these works are not on display, they are carefully tucked away and protected from the elements; similar to how someone keeps their most prized possessions in a safety deposit box.
However, one cannot ignore the fact that art is a visual communicator and we have something to learn from it. How can one learn from what is being expressed in a work of art while it is in storage? This is where the Online Education Programs and the Online Database come into the picture. Art exhibitions come and go, but these programs will be available for you to use indefinitely. Each program has links to the Alberta Curriculum in different subjects – not just in art – and has an interactive video component. Each art work is displayed in a similar fashion to a real exhibition with descriptive text panels that lead the viewer from virtual room to virtual room.
Comments and questions are always welcome! We are also available for partnerships with teachers for specific classes and learning objectives. On site gallery visits are also available. Please contact the gallery for available dates.
Email Public Programs (publicprogramsulethca)
Programs
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1. Art, National Identity, and the CPR
Aimed for Grade 7 Social Studies
[more info]
Direct Objectives:
7.2.5 evaluate the impact of Confederation and of subsequent immigration on Canada from 1867 to the First World War by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
• In what ways did the building of the Canadian Pacific Railway affect the growth of Canada?
• What factors led to British Columbia’s joining Confederation?Overall Objectives:
7.S.1 develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking
7.S.2 develop skills of historical thinking
7.S.7 apply the research process
7.S.8 demonstrate skills of oral, written and visual literacy
7.S.9 develop skills of media literacy
2. Prairie Ink Drawings
3. Inuit Themed Print Making
Aimed for Grade 2 Social Studies
[more info]
Direct Objectives:
2.1.3 investigate the cultural and linguistic characteristics of an Inuit community in Canada by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions for inquiry
• What are the cultural characteristics of the community?
• What are the traditions and celebrations in the community that connect the people to the past and to each other?
• What individuals and groups contributed to the development of the community?
2.2.7 examine how the community being studied has changed by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions for inquiry
• In what ways has our community changed over time?Overall Objectives:
2.S.1 develop skills of critical thinking and creative thinking
2.S.2 develop skills of historical thinking
2.S.8 demonstrate skills of oral, written and visual literacy