Beginning October 1, five posts will be available on the blog, with topics ranging from how to teach a lesson on optical art to how to create a no-mess glue sponge for younger students. WMA educators also introduce themselves in a video post to explain the structure and purpose of the blog.

WMA’s educators plan to update the blog with new content each Monday. Teachers are invited to submit questions and requests for posts by emailing them to education@wiregrassmuseum.org.

“WMA has always provided resources for teachers, students, and school systems in the Wiregrass area. As part of WMA’s partnership with Dothan City Schools this year, and with the restructuring in mind, we wanted to make sure that we were providing resources that our area teachers needed,” said Dana-Marie Lemmer, WMA’s executive director and curator.

Since 2017, WMA has offered online lesson plans based on works from the museum’s permanent collection. Housed on WMA’s website, the lesson plans are accessible at no cost to educators, and can be used for planning as well as in-class instruction. The lessons cover subject matter appropriate for K-12 students and teach concepts as wide-ranging as science, math, social studies, and language arts.

There are currently 12 lessons available online, with the launch of eight more this month. Each lesson meets several art standards set by the Alabama Board of Education, which are listed in the lesson descriptions to make planning easier for teachers.

“It is important that WMA provide opportunities that address art education standards, but it is also possible for us to provide cross-curricular lesson plans and ideas for teachers in our area. Art is a great way to learn about other subjects, and is a tool for students to develop communication, problem solving, and team building skills that they will need in the workplace,” said Lemmer.

All public schools in Alabama must meet state art standards, including those without formal art programs or teachers certified in art education. WMA’s educators hope that the combination of the Educator’s Lair and the existing online lesson plans will be a useful resource for teachers looking for new ideas and techniques to make classroom instruction more engaging and productive for their students

About the Wiregrass Museum of Art

The Wiregrass Museum of Art inspires a lifelong appreciation for the visual arts by providing innovative educational programs that engage diverse audiences through the collection and exhibition of quality works. Since its founding in 1988, WMA has offered educational programs, nationally-acclaimed art exhibitions and community events throughout the year. Its Board of Trustees guides the long-term vision and strategic goals, while its membership, City and County support, and grant funding provide the resources needed to fulfill its mission.

WMA’s galleries are open to the public every Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. General admission is always free. Private tours with guided art activities in the studio can be arranged by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays. For tour information, visit wiregrassmuseum.org/museum-tours.

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