Education

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art offers a variety of educational programs and resources for JCCC students, faculty and the broader community, including youth, families and lifelong learners.


Students discuss how art is integrated with theater.

In addition to JCCC programs and K-12 school tours, the Nerman Museum offers lectures, visiting artist presentations, activities for families and art classes for children. Refer to our calendar or visit the information desk in the museum to find details about upcoming programs. Most are free and open to the public. 

Family Programs

Pick up a free NMOCA Kids Family Guide folder with activity cards at the lobby information desk, and stop by our lobby for puzzles, building blocks and more in our drop-in family learning space. A free 3-D art hunt sketchbook is available for school groups and families, with content for K-6th grade. The museum offers free family-friendly workshops in our studio classroom during Spring Break and other special occasions. Refer to our calendar for upcoming events.

Tours and Group Visits

Tours cover various themes so students can connect their museum experience with classroom lessons. The Nerman Museum education staff develops curricula and oversees educational use of the collection and exhibitions according to state and national standards. We have designed cross-disciplinary tour curricula in partnership with school teachers  including Third Grade Language Arts and Fourth Grade Social Studies  as well as connections with math and science. At the intermediate level, the transitions theme guides students through an investigation of diversity. Custom tours may be developed to meet the needs of Scout groups, assisted-care groups and business leadership groups from the community.

Preschool Groups

We develop programs and resources in partnership with the preschool classrooms at the JCCC Hiersteiner Child Development Center. Our education staff members work with self-guided group leaders to facilitate the best educational experience. Our museum curricula and resources are available to help parents and educators guide young children as they focus on age-appropriate artwork and related hands-on learning experiences. A starter list of recommended artworks from our permanent collection is available upon request. It includes art in the museum, outside and in adjacent campus buildings so you can customize your visit. Refer to the chaperone policy (one adult per three children in 2nd grade and younger) and museum manners beforehand so children and adults are prepared to have a safe and productive visit.

Work Experience

The museum provides adults with entry-level employment and opportunities for volunteering, which help build résumés with fieldwork. We recruit volunteers year-round to assist with educational programs. Refer to volunteering under our Join tab.