The Museum’s education programs are designed for people of all ages, pre-school through senior citizen. All programs are for the purpose of interpreting the art in the Museum and for enriching the appreciation and understanding of art.

The key word for education at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts is interaction. Programs follow the philosophy that people learn by doing and by interacting with materials, objects and other people.

A Lifetime of Learning...

For Families

Families have a special place at the Museum. The ARTWORKS Gallery is ideal for multi-age groups, and the special educational events offered by the Museum are always designed with families in mind. The Museum offers three annual special events for families: the Flimp Festival the first Saturday in May, a Summer Art Sampler during the summer, and Holiday Open House in December. During special exhibitions, the Museum offers special programs on weekend afternoons to coincide with the theme of the exhibition. See Current Calendar of Events for specific offerings.

For Children

Young children may begin formal experiences at the Museum with their parents or caregivers through one or more pre-school programs offered by the Museum. The annual puppet show, “Shape up Little Schmoozie,” is a delightful introduction to shape and color, and includes a mini-tour of the Museum. The popular “Wee Do” series introduces studio concepts based on works in the permanent collection.

Kindergarten children may first hear of the Museum during the free “Me. I Am an Artist” outreach program in area Kindergarten classrooms which introduces the concepts of line, shape, color and texture through a two-part studio activity. Older children might visit the Museum during one of the hundreds of field trips the Museum hosts throughout the school year.

The Museum encourages young visitors to experience the ARTWORKS Gallery, to take a children’s audio tour of the collection, or to visit the Museum galleries where there are frequently interactive components which enhance all visitors’ understanding of the art on view.

Studio classes for children are offered after school and on weekends. Most classes are in multi-part series which focus on a single subject or technique. The Museum offers scholarships to these classes. Call (334) 244-5700 for more information on scholarships. Also, see Current Calendar of Events for programs now being offered.

For Adults

Artist’s demonstrations, educational installations, brochures, guided tours and slide-illustrated presentations are offered on a continual basis for adults. Further, each year a dynamic selection of nationally recognized artists and art experts make presentations at the Museum. Studio classes are offered either in sequential series or as intensive workshops. See Current Calendar of Events for these programs.

The most in-depth and engaging adult program the Museum offers is the Docent Program. Docents are volunteer educators who explain art and museum exhibitions to visitors. This year-long program prepares docents to present school tours, adult tours, ARTWORKS presentations, studio workshops, and outreach programs. Teaching credentials or public speaking experience are not required; if one has the interest, enthusiasm and time, the Museum’s Education Department will deliver the training needed for such valuable service.