VanGo Discussion Guide

VanGo is a traveling art museum that brings a free museum field trip to groups and schools in Volusia and Flagler counties. VanGo connects art and artists from the Museum and our community to people, cultures and art all over the world.

VanGo displays works of art including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and photography. This is what is called “visual art.” Visual art can be two-dimensional like a drawing or painting, or three-dimensional, like a sculpture. Other kinds of art include drama, music, dance, poetry and literature.

Please encourage participants to look carefully at the artworks during VanGo's visit. Everyone will have an opportunity to discuss their ideas with VanGo’s teaching artist, Ms. Sandy Fraser, who will bring the exhibit and lead an engaging art activity afterward.

Things to think about and discuss before VanGo visits:

• Do all people all over the world make art?

• Have people been making art for a long time?

• People have different ideas about what is and is not art. What do you think is art?

• How important is it for people and societies to have and to make art?

• People write stories and poetry, make pictures and sculptures, sing, dance and act to express their thoughts and ideas. How do you express yourself?

VanGo emphasizes the use of discussion to learn about art and as a means of developing critical thinking skills. VanGo’s exhibit is designed to encourage interaction, discussion and acute observation rather than arriving at “right” answers.

Printable follow-up activity sheets:

My Museum | Favorite Work of Art | Dear Artist

Links to online art activities:

Getty Museum - Getty Games

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Explore & Learn

National Gallery of Art - NGA Kids

Museum of Modern Art - Destination Modern Art (for kids age 5-8)

Museum of Modern Art - Red Studio (for teens)

Artpad

Art Institute of Chicago - Curious Corner

Nick Jr. - Art Games

iknowthat.com - The Arts