FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Miriam Taylor
Media Contact, Ogden Museum of Southern Art
925 Camp Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504‐539‐9631
mtaylor@ogdenmuseum.org
NEW ORLEANS, LA- The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is pleased to announce the launch of their new Ogden Museum School program designating Lusher Charter School and the International School of Louisiana as the first official Ogden Museum Schools. A special Ogden After Hours, held from 5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 3rd, will kick off the beginning of the program with performances by the Louisiana Philharmonic String Quartet and Lusher Charter School's Willow Dance Troupe and an art exhibit created by 7th and 8th grade students from ISL.
The Ogden Museum School is an innovative program that combines a tailored learning path with ‘behind the scenes' opportunities to create a long-lasting relationship between school communities and the Ogden Museum. Designed to engage students in the culture and history of visual art in the South, Ogden Museum School offers scaffolded arts experiences beginning in early elementary and extending through 12th grade.
In an increasingly visual world, this program aims to provide students with a framework for developing critical abilities and discovering meaning in any visual object or primary source. With curriculum modules such as "Visual Literacy," "Critical Response," and "Museology," students will learn to think critically about a piece of art and build a vocabulary that allows them to respond to art within its greater context. Students participating in the program will also have opportunities to engage with aspects of an art museum not typically available to tour groups, such as exhibition design, curating and interpretation.
Impactful educational programming has long been a staple of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The museum was awarded the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award in 2015 for their Teen Docent program. The Ogden Museum School program is a natural progression, and one the Museum is proud to offer, in its goal to contribute to what students know, believe, feel, and are capable of achieving.
"We are thrilled to name Lusher Charter School and the International School of Louisiana as our first official Ogden Museum Schools. We aim to engage their entire school communities, including students, parents, teachers and administrators, in the art of the South and look forward to providing unique experiences, exploring a wide range of subjects such as art, history, culture, natural and social sciences, human emotions, and of course, their own imagination." said Ellen Balkin, Ogden Museum Education Manager.
Suzanna Ritz, curriculum coordinator, also said "We believe that creating the Museum School Program will serve to highlight the strong relationships we have built with the community and make our co-exploration of Southern art more visible."
"Our partnership with the Ogden Museum will give our students and teachers an amazing range of opportunities to engage intellectually and creatively with visual media housed in one of New Orleans' foremost cultural institutions. We could not be more thrilled by the chance to work with such an esteemed organization." Sean Glazebrook, Director of the Arts | K-12
"The International School of Louisiana is delighted to partner with the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. It has been a pleasure to work with museum representatives and engage in professional development and educational activities since 2010. At ISL, students receive 2 hours+ of Visual Arts per week. This formal partnership with ISL's existing Enrichment program will allow students and teachers to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of regional art and artists." Melanie Tennyson, CEO/Head of School- International School of Louisiana
The schedule for the launch celebration is as follows:
5:45 p.m.: Lusher Charter School's Willow Dance Troupe performs a modern dance choreographed by the dancers inspired by street art and street dance in front of the Top Mob mural. Combining color, shape, and energy, the dancers will design moving visual art depicting important interests in their own lives.
6:00 p.m.: The Louisiana Philharmonic String Quartet takes the stage.
6:50 p.m.: Ellen Balkin, Education Manager of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, presents the principals of Lusher Charter School and the International School of Louisiana and officially designates each school as an Ogden Museum School.
7:00 p.m.: The Louisiana Philharmonic String Quartet takes the stage.
**Throughout the evening, all are invited to view the Day of the Dead Altar dedicated to Benny Andrews created by ISL 7thand 8th grade students.