Nerman Museum Art Education Mission

Through various educational programs and materials, individuals of all ages and backgrounds may explore contemporary art, develop critical thinking skills and expand visual literacy.


Inquiry-based programs draw from psychological research, including studies of behavior in informal learning spaces and developmental models of how people learn from art. Programs focused on original objects help people make the most of their time in the gallery setting.

Thousands of people enjoy the JCCC art collection daily in a manner that encourages them to experience art as an integral part of their everyday lives. Informative, interactive art appreciation tours led by volunteer docents are designed to facilitate appreciation and understanding of contemporary art in our exhibitions and in the permanent collection on view throughout campus.

Our museum staff provide various resources to facilitate independent learning, including the printed Visitor Orientation Guide with an inquiry-based approach to contemplating contemporary art. Maps of the art spaces on campus help students and visitors navigate the collection on view in various media focus areas. Interpretive and biographical information for individual works may be found on wall labels adjacent to the artwork. In collaboration with the JCCC library staff, the museum developed an online research guide for contemporary visual art so students and visitors can learn more about the artists whose works are on view.

Regular museum programming also includes youth classes, JCCC gallery talks, visiting artists’ presentations and lectures open to the public.