Philadelphia Museum of Art and My Internship Experience
- maddeyfields
- Sep 23, 2020
- 3 min read
We are incredibly excited that the Philadelphia Museum of Art has once again opened its doors to the public. This is a museum that continues to transform and move itself into the future and one that we enjoy getting to visit and explore.
My Experience and Time at the PMA
I feel fortunate to have spent the summer of 2017 as an Intern in the Education Department working on a team with 4 other awesome women. We gave tours of the museum to student groups, helped bring together the Art Splash art project, and truly felt engrained in the fabric of the museum. Being able to walk around, talk, and learn about the real ins-and-outs of the museum gave us true ownership over our experience. With such a vast and a complex collection, it was uplifting to feel that I was able to share my passion and love for the arts in an incredible museum with children from all over Philadelphia.
Working in the Education Department, we were able to learn about many great programs offered by the museum. While not all of these programs are up and running this year, here are some that I would recommend you check out the next time you would like to bring some art into your life!
Programs to Check Out
Seeing the PMA embrace and update their programs is incredibly exciting. Here are a few programs that combine our love for art with the need to both see art in person and work digitally.
Art Museum Playdate: Face to Face
Friday, October 2, 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Online Event
https://philamuseum.org/calendar/event/art-museum-playdate-face-face
“In this live virtual program, engage in playful discussions, sketching challenges, and other fun activities. We’ll preset a new theme every month. In October, meet some faces from our galleries and discover what makes portraits powerful. It’s a portrait party, and your eyes, ears, mouth, and nose are all invited.”
Fault Lines: Contemporary Abstraction by Artists from South Asia
Through October 25
Alter Gallery 276, Main Building
https://philamuseum.org/calendar/exhibition/fault-lines-contemporary-abstraction-artists-south-asia
“The power of a Lin: for the six female artists featured in this exhibition, it’s both an infinity malleable form and a poetic metaphor for the borders and division that make our world. Discover abstract paintings, sculptures, textiles, and works on paper that uniquely embrace and rethink the minimalist approach to explore questions about memory, home, and belonging.”
Museum Mindfulness
Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Online Event
https://philamuseum.org/calendar/event/museum-mindfulness
“Find your inner calm with a slow, guided look at works in our collection.”
Image of me teaching in the Brancusi room.
My 5 Favorite Works of Art for Independent Exploration
If you want to go ahead and explore the museum on your own, I have a few must see spots that I enjoy going to on my own and with the student groups I was able to give the tours too.
The Ceremonial Tea House - Gallery 344, Asian Art, third floor
The Little Dancer (and gallery) - Gallery 252, European Art, second floor
The Horse of Armor - Gallery 347, Arms and Armor, third floor
The Arched Entrance (and gallery) - Gallery 301, European Art, third floor
The Brancusi room - Gallery 288, Modern and Contemporary, second floor
https://www.uwishunu.com/2019/04/philadelphia-museum-of-art-impressionists-eye-yoshitoshi-guide-2019/
Don’t forget to bring your sketchbook! Not everyone knows that you are welcomed to bring your own sketchbook and art supplies to draw and pull creatively from the artworks all around you. You will need to make sure to not bring a large bag. I usually like to carry my sketchbook and bring a small pencil case with some fun drawing materials so its accessible and does not intrude on the artwork.
We encourage you to check out the museum website before your visit to ensure you are up-to-date on all guidelines and protocols. Here is the website; https://philamuseum.org
Have you been to the Philadelphia Museum of Art? If so, what are your favorite artworks or programs you have seen and been a part of? Let us know!
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