Giving Kids an Insight Into Art

A small group of backpack-clad juniors from John Marshall High School followed their guide down the cool, nearly empty corridors of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on a Monday morning, quietly glancing at the sculptures and paintings occupying the rooms off the hallway.

As they approached a gallery filled with Egyptian antiquities, Adriane Morrison turned around and faced the assembled history students.

“Let’s go back 3,000 years!” She then directed the group to a beautifully preserved sarcophagus decorated with a pictorial history of the king who was once entombed in the stone coffin.

The rapt students closely examined the ancient mummy case, answering Morrison’s questions that drew on the students’ knowledge of history and art.

“Many privileged kids get to go often to museums, and for them, this is not as special,” Morrison said after pointing out the common patterns and shapes found in medieval European paintings. “For kids who don’t usually get here, the museum sparks an interest. If I can get one student to see the beauty, to learn about art through the centuries, I’m pleased.”

There is a better than fair chance that the Encino resident, who has served as a LACMA docent for 15 years, has achieved that goal. From introducing students to the special “Mexican Masterpieces” exhibit last year--which highlighted pre-Columbian art--to the Picasso and upcoming Van Gogh exhibits, colleagues say that Morrison always brings her knowledge and enthusiasm to her students.

The museum volunteer, a UC Berkeley graduate whose interest in art was piqued after taking art history courses at Cal State Northridge in the ‘70s, began her docent training in 1983, after her last child left home for college.

Like all LACMA docents, she attended art history lectures and training sessions at the museum once a week for a year, after which she was required to write an annotated script of a tour of the cultural landmark.

After her script was approved, she was assigned three primary tour areas, which covered the entire museum. She led 21 student tours over the course of her second year of training.

Sharon Bressler,chairwoman of the museum’s Docent Council, said that last year the trained volunteers provided more than 10,000 general public and school tours to more than 100,000 visitors.

“Without Adriane and all the docents, we couldn’t serve the community,” Bressler said. “We’re the museum’s ambassadors to the public.”

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Back in the Impressionist gallery, Morrison pointed out the unique use of perspective in a stunning Cezanne still life, which clearly captured the students’ attention.

“I’ve learned on this tour how paintings varied historically,” said 16-year-old Kelly Saengaram. “This experience is valuable because we see the meanings of the pictures. We don’t just glance at the art and walk away.”

“To see the real thing makes history and art more interesting,” added Marshall history teacher Andrea Cohen. “It brings art to life.”

Morrison, who serves on the Docent Council board, said the continuing education she receives at the museum, including her preparation for the Van Gogh exhibit opening early next year, is simply a bonus to work she already enjoys.

“I love art, and I love children. The people I meet are wonderful. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time.”

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