Go van Gogh® brings the wonders of the DMA to pre-K through 6th grade students, free of charge, through programs that inspire students to engage with works of art. All programs include art-making activities that provide opportunities for individual creative expression and are offered in both English and Spanish.
- Choose a format: in-person or virtual
- Select a topic
- Submit the associated request forms
If you have any questions, please email govangogh@DMA.org.
In-person Go van Gogh programs will be available for the 2022–2023 school year for any schools within Dallas city limits. All DMA staff and volunteers will follow your school's safety protocols, including wearing masks and maintaining social distance while in the classroom.
In My Neighborhood (Pre-K–1st Grade)
Take an imaginary journey through your neighborhood! Learn about an artwork that highlights Dallas, and think about the people, places, and food that make your community special. Students will participate in a playful song, listen to a storybook about generosity, and create a cityscape collage.
Making Motifs (1st–3rd Grade)
Pick a pattern, make a motif, and explore bogolanfini, or mud cloth, in this new lesson inspired by the DMA's textile collection. Students will search for repeating patterns in these richly decorated cloths and then design a stamp to create a patterned cloth of their own.
Story Weavers (3rd–5th Grade)
Investigate how artists around the world tell stories through art. Students will reflect on how stories connect individuals, families, and communities before creating yarn "paintings" that can be assembled into a classroom quilt.
Ink Painting with Stephen Zhang (4th–6th Grade)
Learn the step-by-step process of Japanese sumi-e, or ink painting, with local artist Stephen Zhang in this lesson that mixes hands-on demonstration and a pre-recorded video. Students will try several practice exercises, then create their own ink painting using the techniques they've learned.
Van Gogh and the Olive Groves (Pre-K–6th Grade and Special Ed Classrooms)
From starry nights to fields of wheat, Vincent van Gogh used his paintbrush to create expressive landscapes. Students will learn how painting the same subject over and over again brought Van Gogh comfort and allowed him to explore an idea in-depth. Students will then experiment with different forms of mark making to create a Van Gogh–inspired watercolor landscape.
Whether you are distance teaching—synchronously or asynchronously—or in the classroom, our pre-recorded video option can be implemented at your convenience. Upon your request, we’ll share a link to a video version of your chosen program of choice along with a list of recommended supplies for the art-making activity. Each video is approximately 25 minutes long and includes a discussion of artworks with prompts for artful conversation and a demonstration of the art-making activity.
Things That Go! (Pre-K & Kindergarten)
Climb aboard our exploration train as we learn about transportation within works of art. From cars and trains to rockets and planes, students will identify things that "go" through a guessing game, a vivid storybook, and an imaginative art-making activity.
Planting a Rainbow (Pre-K & Kindergarten)
Join us as we learn about gardening through a participatory song, flower-filled artworks, and a colorful story. Students will then create their own imaginative gardens, sowing the seeds of all they wish to grow and see in the world.
Guardians from Around the World (1st & 2nd Grade)
Explore artworks that tell the stories of guardians from around the world. Students will dramatize a story, connect themes of bravery and courage to their own lives, and transform into guardians through a shield-making art activity.
No Place Like Home (1st & 2nd Grade)
What makes a place a home? This program guides students on a journey through diverse representations of home as they explore themes of place and belonging before creating their own homegrown collages.
Mirror, Mirror (3rd & 4th grade)
Join us for a portrait party as we explore how artists choose to represent themselves and their communities. Students will reflect on what makes us who we are as inspiration for their own self-portrait.
Journeys (3rd & 4th Grade)
Students will explore artworks that trace the migration of people, objects, and ideas across times and cultures before reflecting on their own journeys through a storytelling art-making activity.
Ink Painting with Stephen Zhang (4th – 6th Grade; English only)
Learn the step-by-step process of Japanese sumi-e, or ink painting, with a demonstration by local artist Stephen Zhang. Students will try several practice exercises, then create their own ink painting using the techniques they've learned.
A City of My Own (5th & 6th Grade)
Join us for a tour of various city scenes, including images of Dallas. We’ll discuss the ways people picture a place, and students will create their own pop-up cityscapes with places that reflect their experience of the city.
Reflections (5th & 6th Grade)
Students explore how we create our own meaning for the artworks we engage with through connections to our present, histories, and hopes for the future. Students will then create their own postcard-inspired artworks drawing on found text and the themes of the exhibition.
Where are these programs available?
Go van Gogh® programs are available free of charge for schools within Dallas city limits or part of Dallas ISD, grades Pre-K through 6th. We are in the process of revamping our offerings for schools outside of Dallas; if your school or district is interested in staying informed, email govangogh@DMA.org.
How do I schedule a Go van Gogh® visit to my school?
To schedule a visit, follow these four easy steps:
- Determine three possible dates for your visit, double-checking test dates, holidays, class change times, and lunch schedules. If scheduling for other teachers at your school, confirm dates and start times with them before submitting your request.
- Choose your program topic.
- Fill out the Request Form at least four weeks before your requested program date.
- Check your email. You will receive email confirmation of your scheduled date and time within a week of submitting your request.
What program topics are available this year?
Go van Gogh® offers a variety of programs. Read more about this year's program offerings. Each program is tailored to specific grade levels, and aligns with corresponding curriculum and TEKS objectives. Only one program topic may be scheduled on a single day.
When are visits available?
All of our programs take place between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Pre-K through 6th grade visits are available Tuesday–Friday from October 5, 2021 to May 20, 2022. Special Education visits are available Tuesday–Friday in the months of March, April, and May, and receive booking priority during these months.
How many classrooms can Go van Gogh® visit at one time?
The number of classrooms we can visit in one morning varies by program type. We can visit four classrooms in a single morning with Pre-K through 6th grade programs; and one classroom with our Special Education program. If scheduling for more than three classes, please schedule half of your classes at 9:30 a.m. and the other half at 10:30 a.m.
What does the DMA provide for Go van Gogh® programs?
The DMA provides everything for the program, including all art supplies.
How should I prepare my classroom and students for their Go van Gogh® program?
One week before your scheduled Go van Gogh® program, additional confirmation materials will be sent to you to review and distribute to other scheduled teachers. If possible, arrange desks in groups of four to five students each. Teachers must remain in the classroom during the entire Go van Gogh® program.
What if I have a conflict with my program or need to cancel?
Programs cannot be shortened to accommodate conflicts such as lunch schedules or class time changes. If changes occur to your visit after you submitted your Go van Gogh® Request Form, such as changed testing dates, number of classrooms or number of students, email govangogh@DMA.org at least one week before your program date.
If you have further questions, please email govangogh@DMA.org.