Learning Through Art 2005

The annual Learning Through Art exhibit features a selection of artworks created by 186 students between the ages of 6 and 12 who took part in the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao education program during the 2004–05 academic year.

The aim of this education program—founded at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York by Natalie Lieberman in 1970—is to reinforce school curriculum through art activities. Guest artists come to the classroom, working in close collaboration with the teachers. The methodology is based on the belief that children learn in a wide variety of ways: talking, exploring, doing and creating. Given that children are more receptive to learning through art-based activities, the workshops are very effective in reinforcing areas of curriculum and in developing reading, writing and language skills. By taking part in the creative process, students learn how to plan and follow through with projects, work in teams and think critically. This type of learning helps children who have difficulties following more traditional teaching methods, and more importantly, it fortifies children’s self-esteem and personal growth.