Museum Paper Instructions

Museum Paper Requirements – for both virtual and in person museum visits:

General Requirements:

• The essay should be 750-1000 words total.
• Please attach your assignment with label of last name and assignment # as a Word document.
• Do not paste your assignment into the comment box.
• Use standard formatting with one-inch margins and 12 pt. Times font.
• Cite all sources in text and in a works cited section.
• Please observe the due date and the policy on late work.
• Place all images in an appendix. Save them at a lower resolution so the file is not too large to upload.

Your introduction should include:

• The name of the museum, physical location, website and title of the exhibit.
• You should include a general statement about the overall impression of the museum.

Main Body Paragraphs:

• Give an overview of the entire museum, space and specific exhibit.
• Then choose one or two specific works of art to discuss.
• Include the main identifying facts about the work of art.
• Describe the appearance of the artwork using vocabulary learned in class so far.
• How does it fit in with the rest of the show?
• What do you believe the artist is trying to say?
• What devices were used to communicate this?
• Was the artist successful?
• Look for artists statements, facts or other information about the artwork. Remember you are focusing on the artwork and biographical information about the artist should be kept to a minimum.
• Use the Art Elements and Principles of Design to describe your selected work of art.
• What is the viewing experience like? Does the size of the art object affect your impression of it? If viewing virtually how do you think viewing the work on a device affects your impression?
• Can you associate it with an artistic style or idea (classical nonrepresentational, abstract, surrealistic, etc.)
• What do you think the artist is trying to say? What is the purpose of this piece?
• Can you relate to it on a personal level?
• How could the idea be carried further? What might the artist do next? Could the piece be improved?
• How does the artwork connect or relate to the other art works in the exhibit? Think back to the overall focus of the exhibit and museum

Conclusion:

• Give a brief overview of what you discussed, your impression of the museum and art works and what you may have learned.

Images

Images should go in an Appendix page. They should include a formal source citation and a caption that includes all identifying information such as artist, medium, date, title, dimensions and source.

Works Cited

A works cited section should include any and all sources referenced such as the text- book, the museum website and additional sources you used.

Tips:

• Paraphrase source material into your own words and own voice.
• Proofread carefully and use a formal tone.
• Check word count.
• Write using essay format. Do not list information.
• Avoid focusing on biographical information on the artist. Keep the focus on the artwork, museum visit and your own observations.
• Use as many art elements and principles of design as possible.
• Avoid clichs.
• Observe the deadline.
• Make sure you are focusing on fine arts rather than craft, science or historical exhibits etc.