A R O U N D C A M P U S
Guggenheim - Creative Collaborations
In the fall and winter, Saint David’s collaborates with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum to deliver unique art experiences
to boys in Grades Two and Seven.
Observational Drawing Look, Imagine, Create
Seventh Grade boys had the Guggenheim all to themselves
during their Wednesday morning art sessions at the museum
this winter. One morning, they capitalized on their access to
the quiet and empty space to sketch elements of the iconic
building’s architecture. The session is one of several art
classes conducted at the museum during the “Learning to See
Through Art” observational drawing unit. This study is part
of our school’s year-long collaboration with the Guggenheim,
which also includes units in Grades Two and Eight. Second graders’ weekly fall art sessions occurred at the
Guggenheim, where they studied the iconic architecture as
well as modern classics from the Thannhauser Collection.
Each session, after closely observing a master’s work in the
gallery, the boys moved to the museum’s art studios where
they created their own pieces, under the direction of their art
teachers Melanie Fidler and Bernard Ardnet, and museum
educator Hollie Ecker. The term culminated with a student-
led gallery tour and an exhibit of the boys’ original creations,
on display in the Guggenheim art studios, where the boys
divulged the motivations and artistic processes they used.