We invite you to practice observation, deep thinking, and close looking with Museum Educators as your guide. Learners of all ages will engage in discovery through discussions from the Educator’s unique perspectives, making meaningful connections to art.
Themes are inspired by Scott Burton: Shape Shift. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. A list of dates and themes are below and are subject to change based on the availability of the Educator. Keep checking back for new dates!
List of Tours:
Thinking Media in Scott Burton: Shape Shift
Guided by Museum Educator Maria, this tour examines the work of American sculptor and performance artist Scott Burton, with a focus on his innovative use of furniture as art. The exploration highlights Burton’s fascination with everyday objects—particularly the chair—and his transformation of this familiar form into something more profound throughout his career.
A central concept addressed is Marshall McLuhan’s theory, “the medium is the message,” which emphasizes the significance of the mode of communication alongside the content. For Burton, the chair serves as a medium filled with both overt and subtle meanings. This tour delves into the layers of tension and meaning embedded in Burton’s work, offering a deeper understanding of his artistic practice.
Dates
Sat, Oct 26; 11am
Sat, Nov 9; 10am
Sat, Nov 23; 11am
Sat, Dec 14; 1pm
Art as Archaeology
Excavation, Bones, Indiana Jones—these terms are often associated with archaeology. However, how does archaeology relate to the work of sculptor, critic, and performance artist Scott Burton? Join Museum Educator Max for an interactive tour that explores this connection. Participants engage in archaeological methods and critical thinking to uncover the functionality and deeper context behind four of Burton’s most iconic works of art.
Dates
Sat, Nov 2; 1pm
Sun, Nov 10; 1pm
Sat, Nov 30; 1pm
Sun, Dec 1; 1pm
Sat, Dec 7; 2:30pm
Exploring Color at the Pulitzer
Have you ever wondered why stop signs are red or why recycling symbols are green? Or why yellow feels cheerful while blue evokes sadness? These color choices aren’t random—they’re deeply intentional. On this tour led by Museum Educator Martha, participants explore foundational concepts in color theory and color psychology, uncovering how color shapes meaning and influences our emotions. Learn how these principles apply not just in art, but in everyday life!
Dates
Sat, Nov 16; 11am
Sun, Nov 17; 11am
Fri, Nov 22; 5pm
Nature Nurtured in Space
How do nature, materials, and space interact to create powerful works of art? In this tour, Museum Educator Madeline leads an exploration of four key artworks—two by Scott Burton and two by Constantin Brancusi—within the exhibition Scott Burton: Shape Shift. Participants examine how these artists use natural materials and the surrounding space with great intention, questioning the function and meaning behind their choices. Burton, deeply influenced by Brancusi, engages in a visual conversation with his work, and this tour uncovers how their works resonate with one another. Join Madeline for a thought-provoking experience that reveals the dialogue between these two pioneering artists.
Dates
Sun, Nov 3; 11am
Sun, Nov 24; 4pm
Fri, Nov 29; 2pm
Sun, Dec 1; 2pm
Shapeshifting Images of Queerness
Nudity vs. sexuality, stereotype vs. empowerment, and positive vs. negative—these dualities are central to Scott Burton’s work as an American sculptor and performance artist. In this tour, Museum Educator Zach explores Burton’s furniture, video art, and photography through a media studies lens, focusing on queer themes within Burton’s body of work. Drawing on Racquel J. Gates’ framework from her essay Negativity and the Black Popular Image, the tour delves into positive and negative representations of LGBTQ+ individuals in Burton’s art and in media more broadly. Participants engage with these ideas, learning to identify and challenge conventional approaches to representation in both art and media.
Dates
Fri, Oct 25; 5:30pm
Fri, Nov 8; 5pm
Fri, Nov 15; 5pm
Fri, Dec 6; 3pm
