NEW & NOW
Art Education
BY ERIN PAGE . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
Check out four unique opportunities to learn creatively in OKC.
1
SEED REEF PHOTO CREDIT: BY EMMA DIFANI
Gain understanding under the sea Factory Obscura will open its temporary immersive installation Seed Reef on Feb. 9 by artist Emma Difani and collaborator Malcolm Zachariah. Visitors will experience the sculpted paper installation of a coral reef as it transforms from a colorful, vibrant section full of coral, fish and sea life to a barren wasteland of bleached coral skeletons, representing the threat and result of pollution. Then, visitors will be encouraged to help restore, or “seed,” the damaged reef by constructing their own corals and reef inhabitants to add to the installation, helping visitors understand the beauty and complexity of this unique environment and humankind’s impact upon the planet. Seed Reef will be open through April 24.
PHOTO BY EMMA DIFANI
In addition to visiting Factory Obscura’s permanent Mix-Tape immersive art adventure, the organization provides a plethora of opportunities for kids and families to learn and play together. Pick up scavenger hunts or learning guides at the box office to enhance kids’ experiences or find free activity sheets or a virtual tour at factoryobscura.com. School and homeschool groups receive special discounts.
2
Art education goes virtual
Students can now visit the Oklahoma City Museum of Art virtually through the organization’s free Virtual Field Trip program. Students in grades 2 through 12, as well as college students, are paired with a museum educator for a live 45-minute experience. Teachers can choose from sessions like STEAM at OKCMOA, examining art for context and exploring museum careers, as well as lessons around special exhibits. In conjunction with the museum’s 2021 Painters of Pompeii exhibit, students were able to speak with a practicing archeologist who has excavated at sites around Italy, including Pompeii. “This is a great example of a program we would not have been able to offer in person,” said Rosie May, director of curatorial affairs and audience engagement. “With virtual learning, the sky is the limit, and we are excited to offer innovative sessions like this as new exhibitions open throughout the year.” All in-person and virtual field trip sessions align with Oklahoma academic standards and encourage creative and critical thinking. Find out more at okcmoa.com.
OKCMOA MANAGER OF FAMILY AND ACCESS PROGRAMS AMANDA HARMER LEADS A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP.
38 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2022
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