For students passionate about this field, engaging in art history extracurricular activities is a vital way to deepen their knowledge, gain practical experience, and build a strong portfolio for their college admissions. In this article, we will explore the extracurricular activities for art history students.
What do Art History students do?
Before we delve into art history extracurricular activities for art history students, let us have a look at what exactly entails art history studies. Art history students analyze artworks, study their historical and cultural contexts, and familiarize themselves with various art movements and styles. Research plays a key role, involving both primary sources, like archival documents, and secondary sources, such as scholarly articles. Writing is central to their work, with students regularly producing essays, research papers, and critiques, while also participating in presentations, discussions, and debates to articulate and defend their interpretations of art.
Volunteer or Work at a Museum
Getting involved with museums and galleries is one of the easiest ways for a student of art history to become fully immersed in their profession through art history extracurricular activities. Many museums have volunteer docent programs whereby they give tours and share their knowledge of the art on exhibit. Through constant exposure to and study of particular artworks and historical periods, this job not only improves one’s public speaking abilities but also develops their grasp of such topics. Students hone their ability to describe complicated concepts in an interesting and straightforward manner by discussing art to a variety of audiences. This is an essential talent for any art historian.
Helping a curator can be a fulfilling experience for individuals who have a strong interest in the planning and organization of exhibitions. In addition to writing wall labels and organizing artwork for exhibitions, students can also help arrange events that revolve around the show. This position provides an introduction to the curatorial process as well as a useful application of art history extracurricular activities expertise.
Join an Art Club
Students can learn from others, share their expertise, and go deeper into particular topics by joining an art history club as part of art history extracurricular activities. These groups might host panel discussions, movie screenings, or guest lectures on a range of artistic trends, eras, or figures. These exercises promote group learning and open up fresh viewpoints on well-known topics.
Engaging with the creation and study of art might be facilitated by joining a larger student art society. Students may sponsor presentations by local artists and art historians, plan art workshops, or curate exhibitions in these societies. This engagement bridges the gap between theory and practice by promoting a comprehensive understanding of art.
Writing art history topics for the public
For students who love to share their love of art history via writing, they can contribute to art publications as part of art history extracurricular activities. There are periodicals or magazines in many schools where students can write essays, reviews, or articles about various aspects of art history. This helps students improve their research and writing abilities while contributing to the academic community. For students looking to reach a wider audience, launching an art history blog or YouTube channel is a great idea. They can analyze the cultural relevance of specific works of art, examine exhibitions, interview artists or curators, and exchange perspectives on art movements.
Organize art exhibitions
Gaining knowledge about the art industry through art history extracurricular activities can be achieved by volunteering or attending art shows and auctions. Students can see how the value and sale of artworks as well as the emergence of collecting and curatorial trends are managed. Students involved in such events learn about the logistics of curating an exhibition, from selecting works and arranging the space to promoting the event and engaging with the public. It also helps students develop organizational skills.
Work on an art history research paper
Students can explore their personal interests in the field — be it a specific artist, movement, or theoretical perspective — through research papers as part of art history extracurricular activities. Their knowledge is increased, and it also gets them ready for additional academic pursuits like graduate school or jobs in galleries, museums, and other art-related industries.
There are several art history journals that high school students can send in their paper to.
- The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Publications: This high school competition is quite prestigious. Essays on art history that are among the winning submissions are frequently published in related journals or anthologies.
- Polyphony Lit: High school students worldwide are invited to submit their works to this student-run literary magazine. It publishes literary essays, fiction, poetry, and articles about art and art history.
- National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS): NHSJS has a main focus on science related journeys. However, students are welcome to submit art and art history research paper with scientific evidence.
- Interlochen Review: It is a reputable journal as it is published by the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Research submissions include papers in creative writing and art history paper.
- Adroit Journal: While Adroit specializes in poetry and prose, it also accepts critical essays on art history issues.
Universities that offer Art History program
Harvard University offers History of Art and Architecture. Students have access to the Harvard Art Museums, which house a significant collection of artworks, manuscripts, and archives. The program also promotes interdisciplinary studies, linking art history to subjects such as literature, history, and anthropology.
University of Cambridge offers History of Art. Cambridge’s rich cultural past, which includes the Fitzwilliam Museum and the university’s large libraries, creates an exceptional atmosphere for studying art history.
Yale University offers History of Art, which involves both Western and non-Western art. Students get access to Yale University Art Gallery and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library.
University of California, Berkeley offers History of Art. The curriculum is known for its interdisciplinary approach, which encourages students to explore connections between art, culture, and society. The program spans multiple periods and geographic places, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking and visual analysis.
Princeton University offers Art and Archaeology. The program is well-known for its concentration on research and scholarship in art history. The program spans a wide range of periods and regions, with possibilities for students to do original research and interdisciplinary studies.
Participating in art history extracurricular activities not only supplements academic studies, but also allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. It enables students’ personal and intellectual development, helping them to excel in their academic careers and beyond.
