A Meeting of the School Trustees

Robert Harris
A Meeting of the School Trustees (Detail), 1885
oil on canvas
102.2 x 126.5 cm
Purchased 1886
National Gallery of Canada (no. 6)

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Program Descriptions

School Tours for 2011-2012

Our one hour guided tour programs support provincial art curricula. They promote careful and thoughtful looking, emphasize learning through social interaction and encourage students to use their personal experience to interpret artworks.

To register, call 613.990.4888 or fill out the reservation form online.  Bookings for the 2011-12 school year can be made as of August 22, 2011.

Kindergarten

Cost: $3.00 per student.

My Gallery

My Gallery is a lively introduction to the National Gallery of Canada. Throughout the tour students discover and explore the NGC collection while looking at and discussing a variety of works of art.

 

Grade 1 - 3

Cost: $3.00 per student. 

My Gallery

My Gallery is a lively introduction to the National Gallery of Canada. Throughout the tour students discover and explore the NGC collection while looking at and discussing a variety of works of art. 

Canadian Art

This tour creates an environment where the child feels comfortable making observations and sharing personal experiences and ideas about several art objects in the Canadian collection.  Students learn how to interpret artworks by focusing on composition, the elements and principles of design, and their own understanding of the visual world.

Stories in Art

This visit develops students' visual literacy, thinking and reasoning skills. Students learn how to interpret artworks by focusing on composition, the elements and principles of design, and the body language and facial expressions of depicted figures. Throughout the tour, students make observations and express opinions supported with evidence in the artworks.

 

Grades 4 - 6

Cost: $3.00 per student. 

Gallery Highlights

Visit the masterpieces in the Gallery's collection. Students have the possibility of choosing some of the works that will be presented. They participate in hands-on activities that engage them directly in the creative process. Through guided discussion the tour also addresses what makes a work of art great. 

Myths and Other Stories

Historical, biblical and mythological figures are popular subjects for artists throughout the ages and across different cultures. Students discover how artists depict the essential elements of a story. Students’ attention will be drawn to the composition, the artist’s use of dramatic light or colour, and the facial expressions and gestures of the figures, in order to interpret the meaning of the paintings and sculptures.

Let's Go Canada!

Students explore the stories and cultures comprising Canada’s past and present through artworks in the collection. They build visual literacy skills as they look at and discuss the work of well-known artists.

Learning to Look

This visit develops students' visual literacy, thinking and reasoning skills. Students learn how to interpret artworks by focusing on composition, the elements and principles of design, and the body language and facial expressions of depicted figures.

 

Grades 7 - 12

Cost: $6.00 per student.

Gallery Highlights*

Through a visit of the masterpieces in the Gallery's collection students begin to recognize periods, styles, techniques and materials.  Through guided discussion the visit also addresses the notion of originality, the role of a museum and what makes a work of art great. 

Signs and Symbols in Art*

What does a book, a flower or a certain colour signify in a painting? Students learn how artists use symbolism, imagery and iconography to represent characters, concepts, stories and ideas. This tour focuses on art from the Renaissance to Baroque periods as well as Asian and Aboriginal art.

Perspective on Canadian Art

Students discover the richness and diversity of Canadian art by studying works from a variety of periods and geographical areas. They become familiar with the work of past and present artists of various origins (European, Aboriginal, Québécois) and discuss their contribution to Canadian art. The discussion is centred on concepts of place, identity, materials, function and tradition.

From Modern to Contemporary Art

What is art? Investigate the various ideas behind art practices from the beginning of the twentieth century to today.  Explore how contemporary artists use materials, technology and new media to convey ideas and redefine art. 

*These programs can be adapted for special education classes

 

NEW!  Ottawa School of Art and National Gallery of Canada School Program for Elementary students

A new program that combines looking at art at the National Gallery of Canada with making art at the Ottawa School of Art, for children in grades 1 – 6!  The program begins with a visit to the National Gallery of Canada promoting careful and thoughtful looking, emphasizing learning through guided interaction with artworks, and encouraging students to use their personal experience to interpret artworks.  Then students go to the Ottawa School of Art to take part in hands-on activities, lead by artist/educators, that reinforce specific knowledge and skills, and promote creative growth.

Spaces are limited. Cost: $15 per student, minimum charge of $225 if less than 15 students. For information or to register, call 613-241-7471, or email admin@artottawa.ca or director@artottawa.ca.