RMCA Awarded Art Grant
Brett King, RMCA Headmaster
Great art speaks powerfully, inspires fresh thinking, and connects us to our past. In fact, art is one of the centerpieces of RMCA’s curriculum. Over the years, I have been impressed and inspired by our students’ ability both to create art and to use it as a tool for discovering truth, goodness, and beauty. That is why I am proud to announce that RMCA has recently been awarded the Picturing America Grant.
Picturing America, an exciting new initiative from the National Endowment for the Humanities, brings masterpieces of American art into classrooms and libraries nationwide. Through this innovative program, students will gain a deeper appreciation of our country’s history and character through the study and understanding of its art.
The nation’s artistic heritage—our paintings, sculpture, architecture, fine crafts, and photography—offers unique insights into the character, ideals, and aspirations of our country.
By bringing high-quality reproductions of notable American art into public and private schools, libraries, and communities, Picturing America gives participants the opportunity to learn about our nation’s history and culture in a fresh and engaging way. The program uses art as a catalyst for the study of America—the cultural, political, and historical threads woven into our nation’s fabric over time.
“This [art] was my gateway to a wider intellectual world.”
Collectively, the masterpieces in Picturing America, used in conjunction with the Teacher’s Resource Book and program web site, help students experience the humanity of history and enhance the teaching and understanding of America’s past.
Thomas Eakins (1844-1916) Max Schmitt in a single scull (1871), Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. An example of the many Picturing America images that will be on display in RMCA classrooms and library.
Bruce Cole, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, was impacted by art as a child. He states that it “was my gateway to a wider intellectual world. Through that open door, I would delve into history, philosophy, religion, architecture, and literature—the entire universe of the humanities.” At RMCA, we invite students to explore that universe in their pursuit of God’s truth.
Often times, truth is discovered through beauty. It is my hope that Picturing America will help your students get a glimpse of how God has worked in American history. And in doing so, plant a desire in them to play their part in leaving a legacy of blessing for generations yet to come.
Images and further information about the program are available at www.picturingamerica.neh.gov
RMCA thanks the Schneider family for their role in securing this grant.
