The University Galleries’ education programs include: lectures, panel discussions, artist and curator talks, exhibition tours, and workshops with hands-on demonstrations, which foster critical thinking, discussion, and discovery among the University students, faculty, staff, and the general public. These programs provide the public with access to artists, curators, educators, scholars, and art making, offering intimate insight on the artistic process. Education programs are offered on-site as well as offsite and virtually. All programs are free of charge. Learn more about our programs below and for more information, please call (973) 720-2654 or email: universitygallery@wpunj.edu Exhibition Tours For a more in-depth look at the exhibitions, the University Galleries offers private tours for students, community groups, and the general public. Group tours are available during gallery hours and by appointment. Visitors are welcome to engage in self-guided tours. Exhibition checklists, catalogues, artist statements, and related materials are available to enhance the visitor’s experience while viewing the shows. Gallery staff members are available to provide guidance or to answer any questions. Public Programs Join exhibiting artists, curators, and jurors for an inside look into their practice, research, or artwork selections. Panel discussions bring together scholars, artists, curators, and other experts in their field to publicly discuss topics related to the exhibitions. These programs enable artists, curators, educators and the public to interact, to be introduced to new work, and participate in a dialogue about the visual arts. K-12 Arts Workshops Arts education programs consist of a staff-led exhibition tours, which encourage K-12 students to examine, discuss, and interpret works of art. The art viewing experience is followed by an artist-led, hands-on art activity that explores related concepts and artistic techniques. These activities promote the development of creative and visual literary skills and address the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in the Visual and Performing Arts. Arts education programs are developed in conjunction with the WP Art Department, WP College of Education, and WP Office of Field Experiences. Senses Tours The University Galleries offer Senses Tours of the Outdoor Sculpture Program, which encompasses over 20 large-scale sculptures displayed across the University’s campus. This complimentary tour is available for all ages and introduces visitors to the world of art by using their senses to explore each outdoor sculpture. This program is also intended to serve individuals with visual impairments and individuals with autism, cognitive disabilities, or developmental disabilities. The tour includes a 30-45 minute guided walk around the University campus in Wayne to view approximately 12 outdoor sculptures. This is an opportunity to experience art using more than just the sense of sight. Participants are invited to touch, feel, and interact closely with the art. Following the tour, participants engage in a hands-on art activity in response to the sculptures on campus.
