On January 21st the Museum hosted Exploring Race and Social Justice Through Art at the Museum, an educator workshop that explored the role of visual art and art museums in helping students understand ethics and social responsibility. 140 participants, far more than expected, came to discuss how the Museum can support students’ critical thinking about race and social justice.The event included a panel discussion with Deana Dartt (Museum Curator of Native American Art), Lisa Jarrett (James DePreist Visiting Professor of Art at PSU School of Art and Design), and Perla Sitcov (Museum docent and Chalkboard Project program specialist), followed by a workshop on teaching strategies led by Andrew Kulak (Jefferson High School) and Donald Rose (Beaumont Middle School).
With students touring Contemporary Native Photographers and the Edward Curtis Legacy, the workshop discussions lay a foundation for educators to deepen the conversation about race, history, and issues of identity. As part of the Museum’s programs to support educators, professional development opportunities such as this support integrating the arts into teaching across disciplines and grade levels.