Pictured above are, from top to bottom, Gabe Wille, Tamia Maple and Maeliana Santiago leading their respective portions of the tour.  

Throughout the months of September and October, Big Picture’s eighth-grade students had the opportunity to participate in the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s Junior Docent Program.

Students toured the gallery and had the opportunity to meet with contemporary artist Julia Bottoms. They were also coached by the center’s docents (volunteer teaching guides) and provided sections of artwork to research.

They then crafted speeches about the artwork and developed engaging questions to ask those touring the gallery. After practicing with their peers and a dress rehearsal with the gallery’s veteran docents, students returned to the gallery to lead guided tours for Lisa Carver’s fourth-grade class from Edison Elementary School.

This experience not only expanded students’ knowledge of art history but it also strengthened their communication, critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills. It also gave them the chance to be outstanding role models for Mrs. Carver’s fourth-graders.