Education
Artist Talks and Receptions
Artist talks are generally held in conjunction with the opening of new exhibitions. Artist talks are a wonderful opportunity to hear from the artist directly about their intentions, inspiration, experiences, and creative process. These receptions make great opportunities to meet the artist and ask some questions in an informal setting.
Artist Workshops
Bone Creek Museum has been fortunate to hosts several artist workshops as part of our educational outreach. Artist workshops provide guests with an even closer look into the creative process with interactive and hands-on programming that will immerse you in fine art and agrarian heritage. In 2010, John Roush gave a workshop about how to get into juried exhibitions and tips for creating a portfolio. In the spring of 2011, two exhibiting artists provided workshops back to back. Matthew Jacobson taught oil technique and composition. Jim Hamil gave watercolor instruction. Later that fall, V….Vaughan taught a three day workshop painting plein air in the county. Check out the ‘Events’ page for upcoming programs.
Panel Discussions
Panel Discussions are offered annually as a wonderful educational experience that allows locals to comment and discuss the content of particular exhibitions. In 2009, a panel discussion of local farm women was held in conjunction with exhibition “Voices of American Farm Women.” In 2010, ladies and gentlemen gathered again to hear the rodeo tales of local cowgirls in connection with “Cowgirls: Contemporary Portraits if the American West”. These discussions often turn to the realities of agrarian life and the changing physical and economic environments. Stay tuned to our ‘Events’ page to learn about our next Discussion Panel.
School and Group Tours
Professional and volunteer art docents lead school and civic groups through tours of the museum’s permanent collection and changing exhibitions gallery. Tours can be catered to all ages and curriculum needs. Guided tours are a great way to learn more about each piece of art and gather a more complete perspective of Agrarian Artist’s impact in Art History. To schedule a tour today contact Education Director, Anna Nolan at [email protected].
Summer Art Day Camps
Bone Creek Museum is partnering with the Butler County Arts Council to provide art day camps for ages 8 and up at the Aquinas High School art room. Registration is held each morning at 8:30am and at 12:45 if your child is only attending an afternoon class. The cost $10 per three hour session. This year the morning session will be from 9am to noon. The afternoon session begins at 1pm and goes until 4pm. Tuesday is an all day class with a break for lunch and the cost is $20. Art teachers include Joan Cech, Angie Frier, Torie Thoendel, Amy Tomasevicz, and Kristine Allphin Brakenhoff. The teachers will lead instruction in a variety of different art media and projects including batik, mosaic, collage, pastel, and watercolor.
Forms with more information will be available at the museum, at the library, or click here.
Art and Writing Contests for Students
Bone Creek Museum desires to cultivate and celebrate artistic expression in young people. The museum periodically sponsors art competitions and writing contests for students. Partnership with local schools helps encourage students to work on submissions. Support for these programs is an excellent opportunity for local businesses to promote future agriculturists. The ‘News’ page will alert you to upcoming contests and contest results. Participants of a recent Writing Contest in conjunction with “John Roush: Meditations from Missouri” took home Bone Creek t-shirts and cash prizes with sponsorship by the Polk and Butler Counties Nebraska Corn Growers Association.
Bone Creek Art Library and Archives
The Wayne Soukup Art Literature Collection is the cornerstone of the Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art Library. The museum also holds resources to learn about agrarianism and the arts through a collection of books and periodicals. The archives of the museum hold collections on Dale Nichols as well as other agrarian artists. We are a growing research center for Dale Nichols with archives that include exhibition records, news clippings, and personal materials.