A group of visual art students from RSU 22’s Samuel Wagner and Reeds Brook middle schools came together to learn about Maine’s place in the story of American visual arts on a field trip to the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland on January 24, 2025.
Prior to their field trip, the grades 6-8 students participated in invitational talent development workshops in landscape painting with visiting artist Mark Quigley and abstract art with Judi Michalik. The field trip was a culminating activity to study the compositions of masters such as Andrew Wyeth.
Docent Chris Williamson led students through the museum. He fostered an environment that encouraged respect, cooperation and thoughtful inquiry. The tour peaked with the opportunity to sketch impressions of American masterpieces. Each student chose a different painting to study, drawing realistic and abstract variations on the original. Students presented their sketches to the group in an atmosphere of shared inquiry.
Many students expressed a desire to stay longer and/or visit again. RSU 22 is grateful to the Farnsworth Museum for their investment in arts education of our youth.