A virtual, sensory-based experience
OUR NATURAL WORLD
Art therapy and health
Tom Thomson (1877-1917), In the Northland, 1915, oil on canvas. MMFA, purchase, gift of Dr. Francis J. Shepherd, Sir Vincent Meredith, Drs. Lauterman and W. Gardner and Mrs. Hobart Molson
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA), the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) and the Palais des beaux-arts de Lille (PBA Lille) are exploring the theme of the natural world through their collections, providing step-by-step instructions for creating a sensory-based art activity for neurodiverse audiences.
Grounded in art therapy and well-being, this initiative grew out of the COVID-19 pandemic and is a response to a call for proposals from FRAME (FRench American Museum Exchange), a network of 32 French and North American museums.
Exploring and playing with colours and shapes
Juliette Barthélemy, from the Public, Mediation Projects, and Students Department at the Palais de Beaux-Arts de Lille, invites you to discover a piece by Sonia Delaunay.
As you explore this work, let your imagination run wild and make connections with the colours and shapes of nature. You will then create an abstract composition by tracing objects that you have on hand and then adding whatever colours you want.
Although designed for people with autism, this activity is suitable for all groups. Adult assistance is recommended.
Ice and its colours and sensations
Emily Wiskera, Manager of Access Programs at the Dallas Museum of Art, invites you to discover a landscape painting depicting icebergs. Let your senses carry you into this great work of art, and then create a painting with coloured ice cubes.
This activity is specially designed for people on the autism spectrum but is suitable for all audiences. Adult assistance is suggested.
Frederic Edwin Church, The Icebergs, 1861. Oil on canvas. Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Norma and Lamar Hunt. 1979.28.
Nature All Around Me
Ludger Larose (Montreal 1868-1915), Flower Composition with Figure, Logan Greenhouse, 1899, Oil on canvas, 95.4 x 78.3 cm. Purchase, Marcel Boisvert Bequest and Horsley and Annie Townsend Bequest.
Ludger Larose, Flower Composition with Figure, Logan Greenhouse, 1899. Purchase, Marcel Boisvert Bequest and Horsley and Annie Townsend Bequest, inv. 2007.103
Louise Giroux, Educational Programs Officer – Wellness, invites you on an exploration of an artwork in our collection, followed by a creative workshop. Let your senses take you on a discovery of this work. Then, explore your environment to make a drawing using the rubbing technique.
While specially designed for a neurodiverse audience,this is a great activity for everyone. It can be done independently or with adult assistance.
Our Natural World: A Virtual, Sensory-Based Experience is made possible through the generosity of the FRench American Museum Exchange (FRAME).
