Teacher Fellowship Program
This professional development course offers credit through Oglala Lakota College and culminates in classroom-implemented projects, based on The Heritage Center's art collection. I teach the course through in-person workshops, online classwork and video lectures, guest artist lecturers, and one-on-one guidance. The Fellowship program guides reservation school teachers in creating object-based teaching and arts-infused curriculum. The Fellows learn Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) and topics such as: Native American art history, contemporary issues in Native art, and art techniques for k-12 classrooms, among other topics. Their lesson plans are saved for future teachers' use. |
Visiting Artists
I recruit, hire, and work with visiting artists and culture bearers who guide tour groups, class workshops, public programs, and all-school events. I work with many artists, local and national; among them are James Star Comes Out, Randilynn Boucher, Micheal Two Bulls, Don Montileaux, Tanaya Winder, and Natilie Diaz. |
Documentary Film Project
At the core of this program is the premise that the Lakota people should tell their own story. I conduct workshops with 4th and 5th graders who study art in The Heritage Center, create art inspired by collection artwork, and shoot and edit footage. Then the young filmmakers interview artists and family elders, because inter-generational conversations strengthen family ties and resist colonization. This project culminates in celebration screenings with family and classmates! View the films! https://vimeo.com/channels/1101387 |
Distance Learning – Virtual Field Trips
I write, schedule, and facilitate Virtual Field Trips. Students from across the U.S. learn about exhibitions and contemporary Native art with me and a Lakota partner. Tours include live 2-way discussions of art in our gallery. We use simple video conferencing applications based on teacher comfort/preference. |
Museum Class
This new program promotes museum studies learning in 5th grade. In this class, I introduce museum work and art as career pathways. Through real-world, hands-on projects my students explore: pests in collections, what is contemporary art, archival box making for sculpture, art exhibitions, and label writing. I emphasize student-directed learning and community building. Other activities have included: improv in the galleries, ceramics, and guest artists and museum professionals. |
Artists in the Gallery
In the summer, during the height of our tourism traffic, artists show their work to visitors in the galleries through this program. I recruit and engage artists for this program, promote our schedule, and work with artists to create biographical flyers and certificates of authenticity. Museum visitors can see art processes demonstrated and have the opportunity to ask questions and talk with artists. Visitors may also buy work directly from the artists. |
Tours and Studio Art
The cornerstone of most museum programs are gallery tours. I offer tours that stay in the gallery and gallery plus studio art-making tours. Our exhibitions change completely three times per year and I develop tours around each new exhibition using VTS, discussion, and activities. I inquire with the tour leader about learning goals and tailor their tours to those goals when requested. |
Evaluation & Assessment
I perform evaluation on my programming using statistics and content analysis, surveys, pre/posts, interview feedback, and exit slips. In 2019 we began a grant-funded project with consultant Allyson Kelley & Associates. With them I have helped develop an evaluation plan, logic model, and theory of change for The Heritage Center's education programming. |