Together, the education staff and students view specific works at Chinati. We spend considerable time unpacking, exploring and discussing aspects of the pieces in detail. Students then embark on a hands-on art endeavor that encourages a connection between those new conceptual discoveries and their own observations and experiences. An encounter with Dan Flavin’s untitled fluorescent light works, for instance, might present an opportunity for students to record light themselves, through photograms or cyanotypes. Viewing Roni Horn’s massive copper sculptures could spark discussions on mass and color, or the importance of placement and materiality.

Students in Chinati art classes don’t merely make copies of the works they see. Instead, students are given agency to incorporate their engagement with the collection into their own work, the result of which is imaginative art that demonstrates tremendous freedom and thoughtfulness.

The education department is building a growing list of past and ongoing lesson plans we offer to schools in the Big Bend and beyond. Our offerings are appropriate and adaptable for a range of ages, abilities and project lengths. The specific TEKS each project captures is likewise made available to teachers.

Chinati celebrates the experiences and lives of children and adolescents. The Education staff enthusiastically partners with classroom teachers, and we encourage you to approach us with ideas that will allow your students’ curiosity, brilliance and originality to shine!