In one of my previous jobs, I curated a contemporary art gallery
(nonprofit). One of our annual shows featured student work from the arts
magnet schools. The elementary school students worked with their artist in
residence to produce an installation piece. The middle and high schools
selected the art to be shown by a student juried process. Throughout the
year, students visited the gallery each time the show changed. Teachers
selected the jurors, then I spent a couple sessions with them building on
their knowledge of art and discussing the jury process so that they were
prepared to select the works to be featured in the show. I advised the high
school jurors through the selection process. Two high school students who
already had been working with middle school students helped me advise the
middle schoolers. The teachers and artists in residence were all very
supportive of the process. (In addition, I had a team of high school
students who helped install every gallery show during the school year,
including this one. Students wrote the PSA's, prepared the collateral
pieces, and organized the receptions.)

I must say, I was a little uncertain about having middle school students (in
particular) jury the work of their peers. The teachers and artists did a
great job of preparing students to consider each other's work critically. It
was a powerful experience for us all - and I am glad we took the risk.

Today, when I think back, I wish we had prepared certificates - for every
student who entered. Those who were exhibited received copies of the
exhibition list, but that's not the same as a frameable certificate. As
someone else already said - certificates are quite easy to produce and will
be meaningful memories for the youth who have invested so much.

Susan B.F. Wageman
Sr. Mgr. Interpretation & Visitor Experience
The Tech Museum of Innovation     [log in to unmask]
145 W San Carlos St.              408-795-6303
San Jose, CA  95113               fax 408-279-7167
http://www.thetech.org/

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).