College & University

With approximately 6,000 objects spanning the Early Bronze Age to present day and representing many cultures and artistic mediums, the University of Arizona Museum of Art and Archive of Visual Arts provide opportunities for learning and research across disciplines. Examining, interpreting, and sharing ideas about artworks helps students build powerful skills like detailed observation, visual literacy, critical thinking, and empathy. UAMA’s Education Department is committed to promoting  the museum and its collection as a teaching and learning resource for the UArizona campus and greater community.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to Willa Ahlschwede, Assistant Curator of Education and Public Programs, to talk more about how UAMA resources might fit with your teaching or research.

Guided Tours

Guided tours are free for college and university class groups. All tours are customized to fit the curricular needs and goals of the class. To schedule a guided tour, please submit a request at least three weeks in advance by completing the Group Visit Request Form. Guided tours may be limited by availability of gallery guides and space. Group size is limited to 50 at a time and groups larger than 15-20 will usually be divided into smaller groups to allow everyone to have a more engaging experience.

Collection Viewings

With advance notice, groups can view a selection of artworks from the UAMA collection in the Collaborative Learning Space. You can search the collection online or contact UAMA staff to find artworks that relate to your teaching or research project.

Self-Guided Group Visits

Instructors can also request a self-guided class visit at UAMA. This option allows instructors to lead their own tour or have students work independently in the museum. Groups larger than 20 may be asked to split into smaller groups to crowding in galleries. To ensure that the galleries are available for your class on the day and time you plan to arrive, please submit a request at least three weeks in advance by completing the Group Visit Request Form.

Writing With Art

Foster deeper engagement using Writing With Art on the UAMA Connects mobile guide. The experience is organized to provide teachers with resources to encourage looking, prompt in-depth discussions and engaged written responses about the works of art, and the activities can be completed on site at the UAMA or in the classroom using the images included.

UAMA Think Sheets

Five Line Poem A simple creative exercise to help students respond and make a personal connection with any artwork.

See/Think/Wonder Based on a classic thinking routine described by Harvard’s Project Zero, students use this think sheet to observe, interpret, and imagine new things about any artwork. Whether working on their own or in groups, this is a great way for students to spend time thinking critically and writing about what they see.

Online Resources

See our full Online Resources page for more materials to help incorporate art learning into your classroom.

Internships

The UAMA supports undergraduate and graduate students seeking hands-on experience in a wide variety of museum practices and programs. Interns work closely with staff from a variety of departments including marketing, education, public programs, curatorial practice, collection management, art handling and preparation, visitor experience, and community engagement. The focus and availability of internships varies depending on current projects and staff capacity.

To apply or be contacted about upcoming opportunities, please fill out the Internship Interest form. You can also contact staff members directly to learn more about opportunities to work in specific departments.