Akari in Schools
Akari in Schools is a virtual school program for students in grades K–12. Engage students in a hands-on experience with Noguchi’s Akari 1N light sculpture, which is mailed directly to a school or teacher’s home, and paired with a 45-minute interactive virtual lesson. Programs are led by museum educators through the teacher’s preferred video conferencing platform, telephone, or The Noguchi Museum’s Zoom account. All programs include assembling an Akari 1N, and then using the light sculpture in inquiry-based and exploratory experiences with students. After the virtual program, the Akari should be permanently placed in the physical or virtual classroom, continuing to spark wonder and awe in students’ lives.
Akari in Schools is currently available only to New York City schools. Programs can be scheduled in English, Spanish, or Japanese. The Akari in Schools kit includes the Akari 1N light sculpture, a lightbulb, and a teacher’s curriculum guide. One class is scheduled per virtual program. Each classroom teacher must complete the application form for their classroom only. We cannot accept multiple classrooms in one application form. Apply here:
Download the curriculum guide for Akari in Schools (PDF) here.
Private Art at Home Lessons
Art at Home lessons are scheduled for micro-school, family, friends, and community groups who are looking for ways to connect with art. Join us for a 45-minute live online session where we engage with work by Isamu Noguchi, and then make art or participate in theater games together. All programs are catered to students’ ages and abilities. Themes are listed below.
The fee is $100 per session, for up to 12 participants (grades K-12). Programs can be scheduled in English, Spanish, or Japanese on Monday through Friday with at least two weeks advance notice.
The coordinator will be sent a link for participants to connect through Zoom. Participants should have access to a computer, smart phone, or tablet with a microphone and internet access.
Themes
Exploring Art Materials
Use Isamu Noguchi’s artwork to inspire material exploration and artmaking. Learn about Noguchi’s creative process and the awareness he brought to his material choices. Then explore art materials as a group and discuss how art can help make connections to our lives. Let us know what art materials you have at home, and we’ll design a lesson based on your interests.
Exploring Character
Use Isamu Noguchi’s artwork to motivate character-building theater exercises. Learn about the sculptures like Miss Expanding Universe (1932), which was inspired by the choreographer Ruth Page, and then investigate how different gestures, movement, and facial expression can create an original character. Participants should bring a pencil and paper for sketching activities and plan for fun theater games.
Free programs are available upon request for nonprofit groups by contacting education@noguchi.org, or calling 718.204.7088 ext 203. Please contact us if you are interested in scheduling regular, multi-session programming.