High School Programs

High School Seminar	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 seminar 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 careers. The program culminates with student presentations of their own art (a work inspired by artists in the Gallery's collection). Sessions meet for ten Saturdays, between October and March, from 10:00 a.m to 1:30 p.m., with the exception of the first day, which will end at 3:00 p.m. (See the schedule listed below). Attendance at all ten sessions is mandatory. Lunch is provided.

The 2008–2009 schedule:

October 18, 25
November 15, 22
December 6
January 10, 31
February 21, 28
March 14

This program is a partnership between schools in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area 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.

Pompeii and the Roman Villa
Middle School and High School Studio Workshops

Studio Workshops provide students and teachers with a thorough look at a particular artist, style, or exhibition. These two-part workshops include an in-depth examination and discussion of works of art in the galleries, followed by a related one-hour studio project.

This year middle school and high school students will explore works of art excavated from the homes of the urban elite in the ancient, destroyed city of Pompeii and the surrounding area. In the first century BC, the scenic area around the Bay of Naples became a favorite vacation retreat for emperors, senators, and other prominent Romans. Artists flocked to the area to decorate these villas and gardens with lavish sculpture, paintings, and decorative arts. The exhibition Pompeii and the Roman Villa: Art and Culture around the Bay of Naples reveals the shared artistic tastes and culture of the villa owners and the townspeople, the influence of classical Greece on Roman art and culture, and the impact of Pompeii’s rediscovery on the modern world.

Up to thirty students can be accommodated per workshop. Schools may request no more than two workshop dates.

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

Middle School Students:
November 6, 7, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 2008
December 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 2008

High School Students:
January 21, 22, 23, 2009
February 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 2009
March 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2009

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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