Old Jail Art Center

Engage the visual and critical thinking skills of your students while exploring current social and cultural topics through the lens of the Old Jail Art Center art collection. Students will enjoy a book or short video, view and discuss artifacts from the museum collection and enjoy a coordinating craft with a certified art instructor. Programs are TEKS-aligned and designed to enrich existing classroom curriculum.

All connections are restricted to two campuses to ensure instructor attention for each individual student. The museum provides most supplies for art projects. Materials will be shipped in advance of the program. Post-program materials are often provided to encourage further classroom investigation following the program.

To see our scheduled programs and register go to Connect2Texas and select Old Jail Art Center from the program filter.

To request programs on specific dates and times or ask questions, contact Education Director Erin Whitmore.

Grades: 2-5

Cost: $65

Through a reading of Anansi by author Gerald McDermott, students will explore themes of resourcefulness, selflessness and family relationships. After viewing a Ghanese artifact from the OJAC collection students will investigate the Adinkra cloth-printing process and its importance in Ashanti culture. Students will also discover the Ghanese children’s board game of Achi-a game that looks like a spider web and is played much like tic-tac-toe. Following discussion, students will create their own game boards inspired by Adinkra cloth and the web of Anansi the Spider.

Grades: 3-6

Cost: $65

Did you know that trees have their own national holiday? Explore the history and traditions of Arbor Day and view In The Spring by artist Grant Wood. This is an excellent opportunity to utilize Visual Thinking Strategies in the classroom while exploring social study topics such as recycling and reforestation. Students will enjoy a reading of The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. Students will create a multi-media tree sculpture using recycled and recyclable materials.

Grades: 1-3

Cost: $65

Did you know that each May 5th is Children's Day in Japan? Join the OJAC as we celebrate the history and traditions of this ancient holiday. Students will read A Carp For Kimiko, by Virginia Kroll and discuss ideas of tradition and change. While viewing ancient porcelain vessels and woodblock prints with Koinobori imagery, students will discuss the Koi Fish as a symbol for character and perseverance in Japanese culture. Using colors and designs that express their identity, students will then create their own Koinobori flag to hang at school or home to celebrate Children's Day! While students work, they will listen to traditional Japanese children's songs about Koinobori.

Grades: K-1

Cost: $65

Discover the traditions of el Dia de los Muertos with the Old Jail Art Center! Students will enjoy a lyrical story by author Bob Barker and explore the sights, sounds, smells of the holiday! Following the reading, students will observe Pre-Columbian artifacts from the museum collection to investigate the symbol of the marigold flower and its cultural significance. At the conclusion of the program, students will craft their own, laced 3D marigold to create a beautiful garland for your classroom this fall! As they create, students will enjoy traditional music of the holiday.

Grades: 2-5

Cost: $65

Discover the traditions of el Dia de los Muertos with the Old Jail Art Center! Enjoy the story of Rosita y Conchita by author Eric Gonzalez and investigate the cultural significance of the Ofrenda. Students will observe Pre-Columbian artifacts from the museum collection to investigate the cultural significance of the Ofrenda. Students will explore the history of Papel Picado (the art of punched paper design). Students will review concepts of symmetry and pattern before watching the creation of a colorful luminaria with punched designs.

Grades: 6-12

Cost: $65

Explore the unique history and traditions of el Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebration in Mexico! Your students will investigate the imagery of the holiday through antique triptychs and Milagros (metallic charms) from the museum collection. Following observation and discussion, each student will tool their own metallic Milagro. While they work, students will enjoy traditional holiday music. Following the program, student Milagros may be combined in groups of three to create beautiful triptych displays for your classroom this fall!

Grades: K-2

Cost: $65

Did you know that over 1 billion of the worlds population celebrate Diwali-The Festival of Lights? This year, Diwali will be celebrated around the world on October 19th! Join the Old Jail Art Center as we explore the food, music, and decorations for this special Indian holiday. After reading the book Lighting a Lamp by author Jonny Zucker each student will create and decorate their own Diya lamp with clay, beads, and a battery operated votive.

Grades: 3-5

Cost: $65

Celebrate National Poetry Month with an exploration of Ekphrasis! (Poems that were written in response to or inspired by works of art!) Students will enjoy examples of Ekphrasis in a variety of poetic styles, including Acrostic, Shape, and Haiku (reviewing the structure of each style.) Using sensory details and descriptions that consider scene, subject, and voice, students will work to compose three poems inspired by works of art from the museum collection. Each student will create a tri-fold poetry booklet, complete with their own compositions and images of artwork from the museum collection.

Grades: 1-3

Cost: $65

In Greece, the arrival of Spring is celebrated in Martios (March). This change in season is noted by the arrival/return of the Swallows. This reliable environmental signifier has been a part of Greek culture for thousands of years. Music, folk-tales, poetry and art have been created to reflect the importance of the Swallow (Helidonia) to the Greek people. This March, join the OJAC for a Spring Helidonismata celebration! Students will investigate the environmental and cultural significance of the swallow in Greek culture as they:

-Review the Swallows seasonal migration and nesting patterns

-Explore the Swallow as a symbol for new beginnings/ renewal and hope

-Listen to a carol performed by Greek students

-Investigate a work of art from the museum collection

Following the presentation, students will create a spinning Swallow puppet inspired by traditional Greek imagery.

Grades: 4-6

Cost: $65

In Greece, the arrival of Spring is celebrated in Martios (March). This change in season is noted by the arrival/return of the Swallows. This reliable environmental signifier has been a part of Greek culture for thousands of years. Music, folk-tales, poetry and art have been created to reflect the importance of the Swallow (Helidonia) to the Greek people. This March, join the OJAC for a Spring Helidonismata celebration! Students will investigate the environmental and cultural significance of the swallow in Greek culture as they:

-Review the Swallows seasonal migration and nesting patterns

-Consider the Swallow as a symbol for new beginnings/ renewal and hope

-Listen to a carol performed by Greek students

-Investigate a work of art from the museum collection

-Explore the children's tradition of the Martis Bracelet

Following the presentation, students will create their own Martis Bracelet to wear then gift to the birds in celebration of Spring!

Grades 2-4

Cost: $75

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Old Jail Art Center! Students are introduced to pre-Columbian pottery, history and traditions through The Pot that Juan Built - a beautiful story of rhyming and repetition by author Nancy Andrews-Goebel. Students will investigate the ancient techniques and designs of the Casas Grandes people through a short video and examination of works from the museum's collection. Each student will sculpt and decorate a pot of their own using non-mess air-dry clay. Throughout the art project students will review mathematical concepts including: three-dimensional forms, pattern, repetition, and positive/negative space.

Grades: 5-8

Cost: $65

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Old Jail Art Center! Students will explore the history and traditions of the Casas Grandes people in Mexico through the story of artist and local hero Juan Quezada. Students will investigate ancient techniques and designs through a short video and examination of ancient works from the museum's collection. Following discussion, students will each decorate and assemble a 3D pot inspired by traditional design. Throughout the project students will review mathematical concepts including: three-dimensional forms, pattern, repetition, and positive/negative space. Students will enjoy traditional music as they create.

Grades: 6-10

Cost: $65

Do you know which phenomena has been termed the "eighth wonder of the world"? In this program, students will discover the Nazca lines of Peru- enormous ancient geoglyphs that can be seen from space! Students will explore modern archeological theories as to the purpose and engineering of these miles-long formations by the Nazca people. For context and enrichment, students will identify Nazca cultural imagery through observation of ancient Peruvian artifacts from the museum collection. Following discussion, students will each create a personal-sized "earth-carving," inspired by the design of the original geoglyphs.

*Some Spanish vocabulary used in program*

Grades: K-1

Cost: $65

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Old Jail Art Center! K-1st graders will enjoy a reading of Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman, then view artwork with mothers and children from the museum collection. Students will learn the word “attribute,” and discuss what is special about their own parent or caregiver. Each student will create a “Mother’s Day Edition” Newspaper to present as a gift this holiday, with a drawing and interview to complete, as well as activities based on images of the artwork they viewed during the program.

Grades: 4-8

Cost: $75

Celebrate African-American Heritage with music and art! Investigate the significance of the story of Jacob's Ladder in African American culture during the time of slavery. Listen to a historical spiritual/folk song and examine the painting "Jacob's Dream," by W.M. Kelly Fearing.

Students will participate in a discussion of their hopes and dreams for the future and then illustrate those dreams on rungs of an actual wooden, Jacob's Ladder toy.

Grades: 3-6

Cost: $65

Celebrate the season with the OJAC and discover the Jultomten- a special figure in traditional Swedish holiday celebrations. Students will explore the history of the Tomte in Swedish folklore and enjoy a traditional children's story. Students will investigate vintage Swedish ornaments from the museum collection and discuss their symbolism. Following discussion, students will create their own Tomte Ornament (including brief comprehension/ writing activity).

Grades: K-2

Cost: $65

Celebrate this Holiday Season with the OJAC and discover the history Las Posadas in Hispanic culture! Students will enjoy a presentation, including songs, a short cartoon and a reading of Uno, Dos, Tres, Posada! by author Virginia Kroll. Following discussion, students will create their own 3-D Poinsettia Flower to decorate your classroom before the Holiday break.

*Some Spanish is used in this program.

Grades: 3-5

Cost: $65

Celebrate this holiday season with the OJAC and discover the history Las Posadas in Hispanic culture! After viewing Pre-Columbian sculpture, students will investigate the historical Aztec and Christian roots of this beautiful tradition. Students will enjoy a presentation, including songs, a short cartoon, and a book by author Tomie dePaola. Following discussion, students will create their own Advent-style Poinsettia Wreath to remember Posada traditions as they count down the final nine days until Christmas Day.

Grades: 2-3

Cost: $65

Celebrate the Year of the Rat! Explore the history of Lunar New Year while viewing artwork and artifacts from China and other Asian countries. Students will read The Great Race by author Dawn Casey, learn about the animals of the Chinese Zodiac tradition and identify the animal and characteristics that represent their year of birth. Each student will then create zodiac-themed hongbao (a lucky red envelope they will fill with good wishes and a gift for a friend).

Grades: 4-6

Cost: $65

Explore the history of Lunar New Year celebrations while viewing artwork and artifacts from China and other Asian countries. After an investigation of lunar versus solar time cycles, students will enjoy the story of the Great Race and explore the history of the Chinese Zodiac Calendar. Following identification of their own Zodiac animal symbol- students will investigate Chinese tangrams. Through this traditional puzzle-art form, students will work to create each of the animals in the Chinese zodiac using a variety of shapes. This puzzle-activity will be excellent enrichment for your students' spacial and problem solving skills! Students will leave with a pocket-sized, reusable magnetic Tangram game they can share with friends.

Grades: 2-5

Cost: $65

Celebrate Spring with the Old Jail Art Center! Learn about the history surrounding this colorful holiday in England and explore customs that are expressions of hope after a long winter. Students will enjoy a reading of On the Morn of Mayfest by author Erika Silverman. Students will then observe and discuss seasonal artworks from the museum collection and then create a traditional May Day Cone to gift to a friend or neighbor!

Grades: 1-2

Cost: $65

Did you know that families in China celebrate a special holiday just for the moon? Join the OJAC as we celebrate the history and traditions of the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival. Students will read Thanking the Moon by author Grace Lin and explore the food, decorations, music and family traditions unique to this holiday. While viewing ancient porcelain vessels and woodblock prints students will discuss the symbology of the moon, the rabbit and the color jade in Chinese Culture. Students will then create their own hand-held Tondo drum decorated with a translucent moon, a jade rabbit and a holiday greeting written in simple Chinese calligraphy. While students work they will listen to a traditional Chinese Children's song to celebrate the holiday.

Grades 3-6

Cost: $65

Did you know that families in China celebrate a special holiday just for the moon? Join the OJAC as we celebrate the history and traditions of the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival. Students will read Mooncakes by author Loretta Seto and explore the food, decorations, music and family traditions unique to this holiday. While viewing ancient porcelain vessels and woodblock prints students will discuss the symbology of the moon, the rabbit and the color jade in Chinese Culture. Students will then create a beautiful banner decorated with a gold moon, a jade rabbit and a holiday greeting written in simple Chinese calligraphy. While students work they will listen to a traditional Chinese Children's song to celebrate the holiday.

Grades: 7-12

Cost: $65

Did you know that families in China celebrate a special holiday just for the moon? Join the OJAC as we celebrate the history and traditions of the Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival. Students will explore the food, decorations, music and family traditions unique to this holiday. While viewing ancient porcelain vessels students will discuss the symbology of the moon, the rabbit and the color jade in Chinese Culture. Students will then create a personalized origami lantern- which may be combined and attached to a strand of lights (included) to create a decorative classroom garland! While students work they will listen to a traditional Chinese music to celebrate the holiday.

Grades: 6-10

Cost: $65

Do you know which phenomena has been termed the "eighth wonder of the world"? In this program, students will discover the Nazca lines of Peru- enormous ancient geoglyphs that can be seen from space! Students will explore modern archeological theories as to the purpose and engineering of these miles-long formations by the Nazca people. For context and enrichment, students will identify Nazca cultural imagery through observation of ancient Peruvian artifacts from the museum collection. Following discussion, students will each create a personal-sized "earth- carving," inspired by the design of the original geoglyphs. (NOTE: Some Spanish vocabulary is used in this program.)

Grades: 1-2

Cost: $65

This November, celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Old Jail Art Center. Your students will explore Navajo weaving traditions through a delightful children’s story, a close-up viewing of Navajo art from the museum collection and a classroom weaving activity. Enjoy the classic children’s book, A Goat in the Rug, by author Martin Link and then investigate Navajo symbolism through authentic, antique weavings. Each student will create a colorful paper weaving inspired by traditional Navajo animal imagery.

Grades: 3-5

Cost: $65

This November, celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Old Jail Art Center. Your students will explore Navajo weaving traditions through a delightful children’s story, a close-up viewing of Navajo art from the museum collection and a classroom weaving activity. Enjoy the classic children’s book, The Goat in the Rug by author Martin Link and then investigate Navajo symbolism through authentic, antique weavings. At the conclusion of the program, each student will create a woven vessel of their own using traditional colors and designs.

Grades: 6-8

Cost: $65

This November, celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Old Jail Art Center. Your students will investigate Navajo culture through historic photographs and cultural artifacts from the museum collection. Students will explore the imagery and social significance of sand-paintings (a mysterious, centuries-old Navajo art-form). After observation and discussion of artifacts, students will play a fun dice-rolling game to create a unique sand-painting of their own, inspired by traditional designs.

Grades: 7-10

Cost: $65

Students will explore the ancient board game of Patolli and it’s social and economic role in Mayan society during the Harvest Season. Students will view and discuss a Mayan artifact reflecting the god of Games, Macuilxochitl and the god of Maize, Popol Vuh. Students will learn and play the game of Patolli after designing their own game board with personalized Mayan glyphs.

Grades: 1-3

Cost: $65

Celebrate the arrival of Spring and learn the traditional art of Pysanky, Ukrainian egg decoration. Students will read Rechenka’s Eggs, and discover connections between illustrations by author/artist Patricia Polacco and artworks from the Old Jail Art Center’s Collection. Each student will design their own egg in Ukrainian style, using geometric and organic designs. This project will include a review of 2D versus 3D forms, as well as the division of shapes into halves and fourths.

Grades: 3-5

Cost: $65

Celebrate National Wildflower Week with the Old Jail Art Center! Students will explore the history of National Wildflower Week and view works of art from the museum collection that spotlight these beautiful plants. Students will discuss the important role that wildflowers and native plants serve in environment conservation. (They help conserve water, reduce mowing costs, provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife and protect the soil from erosion. In addition, native plants often require less resources to maintain than plants that aren't native to a region.) Students will enjoy a reading of Miss Lady Birds Wildflowers, and learn of the former First Lady's efforts to re-plant native flowers in her home state of Texas. Following the reading, each student will begin work on their own Wildflower Journal.

Grades: 4-6

Cost: $65

Did you know that children in Israel enjoy their own Arbor Day celebration each January?

Students will explore the Israeli holiday, Tu B’Shevat, celebrated each January during the rainy season. Students will enjoy a presentation including video and traditional music to review holiday traditions. Students will explore a series of tree sculptures by artist Gene Owens, followed by a discussion of themes of environmental stewardship themes. Finally, students will investigate the concept of fractals in nature then create and cooperatively assemble FRACTAL tree sculptures inscribed with reviewed facts about the Tu B’Shevat holiday.

Grades: K-2

Cost: $65

Celebrate National Pet Month this April and a new release by Dr. Seuss! K-2nd graders will practice listening, observation, calculation, and graphing skills through a creative exploration of children's literature and visual art. Following a reading of What Pet Should I Get? students will explore museum collection images of children and their pets. From feline to fish to fowl, students will discuss the benefits and responsibilities involved in caring for the animals that share their homes and lives. At the conclusion of the program, students will be led through a simple voting and graphing activity that reflects the "pet preferences" of their classmates.

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Location: Fort Worth, TX, United States
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