gallery view of Degas: A Passion for Perfection

5 Fun Things for Teachers to Do at the DAM

1. Explore World-Class Exhibitions—Only at the Denver Art Museum!

Degas: A Passion for Perfection investigates the creative experimentation throughout Degas’ career to capture contemporary life of late-nineteenth-century Paris, a transformation from his earlier focus on historical subjects. The Denver Art Museum is the only American venue for this exhibition. Degas: A Passion for Perfection is included in free general admission for school groups and available for school tour groups through March 16, and April 2–May 18, 2018.

This spring also highlights exhibitions that will draw out student curiosity and discovery of diverse world cultures, including Linking Asia: Art, Trade, and Devotion and Stampede: Animals in Art.

2. Experience Professional Development

With creative teaching strategies and new ways to engage students with the arts, the DAM will be popping up with professional development opportunities across the Denver metro area. We hope to see you at one of the following:

- Art + Literacy for Early Childhood Two-Part Workshops with partner Qualistar (March 6 and 13)

- Art + Literacy for Early Childhood Sessions at the Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference (March 17)

- Spark with Art: Art Objects for Dialogue, Projects and Assessment at the Colorado Council for the Social Studies Conference (April 13)

3. Celebrate Spring Break (March 17-April 1)

Spend your days over Spring Break exploring, slowing down, making art, and laughing hysterically. Join us for family-friendly theater at 11 am every weekday between March 17 and April 1. Also, explore in the 3-D Studio and Create-n-Take carts throughout the museum. Come on your own or bring the whole family.

All Spring Break activities are included in general admission, free for kids 18 and younger.

4. Delve into the World of Degas

Learn more about Edgar Degas in this four-part course that will explore the influences, evolution, and independence of the iconic artist. Participants will learn about his complex approach to contemporary themes, his masterful experimentation across mediums and techniques, and the strong dualities of his personality and style of working.

$75 members/$85 nonmembers for full four-session course. Single session tickets will go on sale April 2, pending availability ($20 members/$23 nonmembers per single session).

  • Saturdays, April 14, 21 & May 12, 19
  • 2:30–4 pm

5. Enjoy True Stories and Wacky Experiences at Untitled Final Friday

Untitled Final Fridays this year are being designed by local creatives. On February 23, The Narrators are planning an evening of live performances, interactive experiences, walking tours, and more. March 30 brings Steven Frost, fiber and installation artist. Suzi Q. Smith, spoken-word artist, partners with us April 27. Untitled Final Fridays happen on the last Friday of the month through October, and are included with general admission.

Top photo from left to right: Edgar Degas (1834-1917), Avenue of Trees in the Bois du Boulogne, about 1880, monotype on Oriental paper. ©The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Edgar Degas, Study of Two Standing Dancers, 1889. Charcoal on tracing paper. © The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Edgar Degas, The Rehearsal Room, about 1900. Pastel and charcoal on paper; 18 1/4 x 40 in. (46.4 x 101.6 cm). Toledo Museum of Art: Gift of Mrs. C. Lockhart McKelvy, 1950.69. Photo Credit: Richard Goodbody Inc. Edgar Degas, Four Ballet Dancers on Stage (Quatro Bailarinas em Cena), 1885 / 1890. Oil paint on canvas; 283/4 x 361/4 in. (73 x 92 cm). Gift, Walther Moreira Salles, Simone Pilon, Jacques Pilon, Benedito Manhães Barreto, um comissário de café em Santos [a coffee commissioner in Santos], Industriais da Juta de São Paulo e [and] Diários Associados de São Paulo, 1950. Inv. MASP.00082 Collection: Museu de Arte de São Paulo Assis Chateaubriand. Photo by João Musa.