OUR MISSION
The Education Department engages the general public with the Clark’s collections, exhibitions and grounds through programs that create valuable, meaningful, and even transformative experiences. We are dedicated to serving people of all backgrounds and identities and we strive to be responsive and relevant to individual and community needs and interests. The goal of all our programs is to help people realize that engaging with art and nature can enhance their lives.
OUR PROGRAMS
The Clark offers a variety of educational experiences designed to encourage a wide range of audiences to enjoy the Clark’s collections and the visual arts. Check out our calendar of events for a full overview of our programs. To sign up for community programs mailing list, email Lily McGartland (and be sure to include your first and last name!).
special initiativeS
The Clark is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for developing innovative programs that demonstrate how engaging with art can meet both individual and community needs.
These responsive programs are offered free of charge. Please contact our Education Department Coordinator, Lily McGartland, if you would like to learn more.
CLARK CONNECTS activities
Spend time with the Clark from your own home! Browse our selection of Clark collection-based games and activities for all ages! New activities will be added regularly.
Art & Wellness
Engaging with art offers an opportunity to become more aware and appreciative of humanity—our own, each other's and in general. As such, art can serve as a vehicle to help us take care of ourselves. The Clark wellness activities offer different ways of engaging with art that are designed to encourage self-care and a sense of wellbeing.
Adult Group Visits
The Clark welcomes groups for both guided and unguided visits year-round. Groups are required to register ahead of time so we can best accommodate the visit. To arrange for a group engagement, click here.
FOR FAMILIES
Visitors can learn more about the Clark and activities designed especially for young visitors on our Families Page, which includes detailed information on family programs. If you have any questions or comments, we’d like to hear from you. Please contact Lily McGartland by email or by calling 413 458 0563.
For Teachers
The Clark offers a variety of free educational programs for all grade levels. Engaging with art encourages close observation, critical and creative thinking, and careful and sensitive conversational skills. Our programs can be tailored to support many different subjects and curriculum areas. Learn more about planning a school visit. Check out our Teacher Resources to bring the Clark into your own classroom.
FOR MUSEUM EDUCATORS
The Clark hosts a periodic colloquium called What We May Be. The purpose of the colloquia series is to give museum educators the time and space to reflect on our practice and explore the evolving nature of the museum education profession during a time of change within museums at large. This program is well suited for the Clark Art Institute with its dual mission as both a research institute and as a museum. Please enjoy these free downloadable publications from our first and second colloquia.
If you would like to attend a future What We May Be, please contact the Education Department Coordinator, Lily McGartland, by email or by calling 413 458 0563.
Volunteer docents:
Clark docents engage student and adult visitors with our collection and special exhibitions and support other education programs. Educational sessions include presentations, discussions, and group work, while special outings and events for docents support the rigorous commitment, care, and passion this program demands. The docent program dovetails with the academic calendar, but opportunities to support the education team exist year-round. We are not currently recruiting new docents; to be notified of future application opportunities, contact Lily McGartland by email or by calling 413 458 0563.