Art Education Major Interns with Smithsonian's "Portraits Alive"
Aspiring art teacher Gloria Collins '15 is spending a "seriously amazing" summer in Washington D.C. interning at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery, Office of Education. Collins, who is studying art education at BW is involved in a program called "Portraits Alive." She works with high school students, ages 14 to 16, who write a monologue and dress up as a historical figure from a portrait within the museum, from Audrey Hepburn to Bruce Lee.
Collins says that the most rewarding part of the internship is seeing shy teens “blossom and embody a character and I think they learn a lot about themselves but also about historical figures.” Collins also is gaining valuable experience learning how to incorporate museum education into the classroom.
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum and research
complex with 137 million objects in its collections. It was founded in
1864 and consists of 19 museums, the National Zoological Park and nine
research facilities. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery shares
America’s history through poets, presidents, actors, activists and many
more that have shaped our culture and story.
Collins says that the most rewarding part of the internship is seeing shy teens “blossom and embody a character and I think they learn a lot about themselves but also about historical figures.” Collins also is gaining valuable experience learning how to incorporate museum education into the classroom.