Art Around the World

In this VFT, students will explore objects from the NCMA’s permanent collection made by different cultures around the world.  Through careful looking and collaborative discovery, students will learn about the traditions and beliefs of different communities.  Choose one geographic region below or schedule multiple sessions to study more cultures!

Ancient Sports: Mesoamerican Ballgame, for grades 3-8

Using visual analysis, students will examine two different objects from the Ancient Americas collection and think about the role of sports in community. Using what they learned, students will have the opportunity to work together and design their own game, continuing a tradition of community and play.  Collaboration with your school’s PE teacher is recommended for this program, but not required. 

Animal Masquerades, for grades 3-8

Using visual analysis, students will examine masks from two different West African cultures featuring animal imagery, and learn about their uses and symbolism.  Using what they learned, students will have the opportunity to design animal imagery that represents them.

New! Discovering Día de los Muertos, for grades 4 – 8

In this VFT, students will observe an ofrenda, one aspect of the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos and discover how the symbols used in the ofrenda celebrate and remember ancestors while connecting to indigenous Mexican cultural practices shown through museum objects. This program comes with an optional Post-VFT Art Kit. Order yours at registration.

Gaining STEAM with Ancient Egyptian Artifacts, for grades 6-8

Using visual analysis, students will examine two different ancient Egyptian amulets, and learn about their uses and symbolism.  Using what they learned, students will have the opportunity to design their own present-day amulet, representing a power that might alleviate a problem experienced by their peers.  The 45-minute program option is recommended for this program, if possible.  This program comes with an optional Post-VFT Art Kit. Order yours at registration.

“Students enjoy exploring Egyptian culture in general, with extra fascination for the magical lore of “amulets,” so making one themselves presented a great opportunity for more engagement in class!”

— ELA Teacher

Pre-Visit Slideshow for all Art Around the World VFTs

The following slideshow contains images from the museum to prepare your students for their VFT.  Questions to guide your students through engagement with the slideshow are located in the speaker notes and apply to both first-time and returning VFT students.  Feel free to customize your questioning to students’ interests, your class goals, and the time you have available to spend. Click here for your own copy and access to the speaker notes. If anything comes up in conversation with this slideshow that you would like to share with your facilitator, please send an email to CBrown@ncartmuseum.org at least 2 days before your tour.  We look forward to meeting with you and your students during your VFT!

Post-Visit Choice Boards for Art Around the World VFTs

These post-visit choice boards contain resources related to each VFT.  Feel free to use any or all of the resources for teachers or students after your VFT is complete.  Please be sure to preview all resources to select the ones in part or whole that fit your classroom best. 

• Art Around the World: Ancient Sports, Mesoamerican Ballgame
• Art Around the World: Animal Masquerades
• Art Around the World: Discovering Día de los Muertos 
• Art Around the World: Gaining STEAM with Ancient Egyptian Artifacts