Walker School Tour Program

What is it about the natural world that calls to you? Discover the connections between art and science in this exhibition by artist, naturalist, and author Christopher Marley. See dazzling displays of beetles, butterflies, and bold mosaics of ocean life. Marley sustainably sources his specimens, using responsible insect collecting and vertebrates reclaimed after their death to design these works. He arranges the organisms in patterns inspired by nature—or presents them alone to draw our eye and increase our appreciation.

This introductory tour designed for young students will explore what a museum is and what they can see and learn while on a visit. Students will interact with a variety of paintings and sculptures and learn how to make the museum their own through conversation, movement, stories, and hands-on group activities.

When artists design three-dimensional works of art that step into our space, we interact with them in different ways than how we interact with two-dimensional artworks. This tour will examine different ways of exploring sculptural works including writing, sketching, movement, and conversation.

Every artist and work of art has a story to tell. On this tour, students will learn how to “read” works of art in a museum. By gathering clues about character, plot, and setting in artworks, students will discuss, collaborate, and be inspired to tell their own stories.

Throughout history, artists and scientists have shared a passion for discovery and innovation. Students on this tour will practice scientific thinking to develop connections between science and visual art. By discussing artworks’ subject matter as well as artists’ materials and processes, students will gain an understanding of the visual effects we see in painting and sculpture and how they were achieved.

Both artists and mathematicians throughout history have strived to understand and express the shapes, patterns, and relationships they saw in the world. On this tour, students will explore the mathematical concepts illustrated by multiple artists and artworks in our collection.

Americans are a diverse group, having come here from many places across the world for many different reasons over time. Each of us has a unique story to tell of our families and lives. This tour takes students through American history via artworks that tell the complex and fascinating story of the mosaic that is life in the United States.

To help students prepare for the Citizenship test required for high school graduation, this tour examines artworks that speak to the rights and responsibilities of American citizens. Concepts such as the value of individual voices in a democracy, the common good, national expansion, civil rights for all citizens, and the three branches of government and their relationships are all potential opportunities for conversation.

How does an artist work with specific materials, and how do they create some of their effects? This tour uses hands-on props and activities to reveal techniques that artists use to achieve the results we see in their finished works.

Explore the past, present, and future through the perspective of Black artists. This tour will allow students to understand, appreciate and celebrate Black artists’ immense contributions to the art world and American history. Students will identify how Black artists use art to highlight inequities and celebrate triumphs to build awareness and empathy.

Women’s voices have always been a catalyst for change in art and society. Crystal Bridges has built a rich collection of female artists’ works spanning centuries. On this tour, students will explore the voices of women in art and how their works have confronted various social and political issues, helping to change society for all people.