Detroit Institute of Arts Unites Art And Education For Students

DETROIT, MI — More than 90 third-grade students from McKinley Elementary School in Warren experienced culture and history through a free field trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts this week.

“Our elementary students are astounded by the art when they visit the DIA,” Susan Kleintjes, McKinley Elementary art teacher said. “The free field trips unite art and education, and help students connect what they are taught in the classroom to real-life history and culture that they can’t experience anywhere else.”

In 2018, the DIA provided free field trips and transportation to 14,977 students from nearly 150 schools in Macomb County. As part of the tri-county millage passed in 2012, the DIA provides free bus transportation and admission for students from Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

On their tour of the museum, McKinley students viewed pieces created by artists featured in Kleintjes’ curriculum, such as Vincent van Gogh and Dale Chihuly.

“The DIA has an extensive collection that provides access to art, cultures and history not available online, in books or on TV,” saidSalvador Salort-Pons, DIA director. “We want to encourage discovery and spark creativity in students, and we are dedicated to working closely with teachers to provide experiences that complement their lessons.”

The DIA provides guided and self-guided tours and online teaching resources for schools, including lesson plans that can be incorporated into curriculum.

To schedule a group tour or field trip, contact the DIA at 313-833-7981.