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Teaching the Art of the American West

These educational on line study units are written for middle school students and teachers as a way for the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum to deliver curricular materials to classrooms for those schools unable to complete a field trip to the Museum.

Emigrants Crossing the Plains
Emigrants Crossing the Plains carries out Bierstadt's tradition of oversized painting, reflecting the grandiose size and spectacle of the American West.
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End of the Trail
Focusing on the life and works of award winning western artist James Earle Fraser and his sculpture, The End of the Trail.
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Previous Exhibit Education Guides
The Guitar:Art, Artist and Artisans
The guitar is the world's most popular instrument. From its historical roots in Europe, the instrument became popular throughout the American West, evolving into an icon of cowboy music. Often a stunning visual art from, the guitar is the star of this exhibit. Use this Curriculum Guide to take a closer look at the Gibson "Tribute to the 20th Century" Guitar. The artwork and imagery used spans 100 years of history.
The Power of Music: Photographic Portraits of Americans and their Musical Instruments, 1860-1915
This exhibition provides a rare insight into the prevalence of performed music among 19th century Americans. With the birth of photography, many musicians were able to pose with their favorite instruments to show their pride and love of music. This Resource Guide is provided by the exhibit's creator, Smith Kramer.
"Arte en la CharrerĂ­a: The Artisanship of Mexican Equestrian Culture"
The very essence of the Mexican experience is exemplified by the culture of the charro, or Mexican cowboy. It is a rich legacy of tradition and valor, of honor and custom, of war and peace.
Educational Guide
Exhibit Images
Craft in America--Expanding Traditions
The mission of Craft in America is to document and advance original handcrafted work through programs in all media. Companion Educator Guides written for teachers support each of the three episodes-Memory, Landscape and Community. Content can be modified for students of all ages and different educational settings. The guides can be used in any order or stand alone and used independent of the others.
PDF IconCommunity Guide PDF IconLandscape Guide PDF IconMemory Guide