Lifelong Learning at the LSU Museum of Art

Everyone knows that museum field trips are a staple of most any school career. Pile onto the bus, stare at some old paintings, and get a one-way lecture from a harassed docent until they release you into the gift shop.

Fortunately, things are quite a bit different for kids at the LSU Museum of Art. Opportunities abound for kids of almost any age to jump head first (or hands first) into the world of art. Events like Stories for Art and First Free Sundays are a great chance to kick start the youngest creative minds while familiarizing them with a museum setting, and it’s just plain fun. For older kids, there are different programs that go above and beyond your average field trip, many of which (like MUSE, ArtWorks, and the Neighborhood Arts Project) are specifically designed to reach groups of kids whose access to arts curricula and other interactive learning opportunities might be limited. A combination of genuine conversation and hands-on activities with trained educators can keep kids involved even spark a lifelong interest in the arts.

Because of its affiliation, the LSU Museum of Art is highly active with young adults through the university level as well. Students are able to take advantage of museum collections and resources to complete projects in their area of study as well as teach workshops and help to curate exhibits.

Even if your school days are long behind you, there are still plenty of opportunities to keep your creative horizons expanding. There’s never any real reason to stop learning when there’s always something going on, from casual lunchtime lectures with the Brown Bag Lunch series to intensive arts and crafting workshops inspired by current exhibitions. Check the Museum’s calendar for upcoming events to teach your kids (or yourself) more about art.