Art and Nature

Art and Nature Tour Description

K-12th grades

Students will learn about American landscape paintings as well as the history of the Reynolda Estate.  Younger students can look for seasonal, geologic, and geographic details in the paintings, while older students can discuss the implications of nineteenth century American expansionism and industrialization, as well as sustainability issues. 

NC Standard Course of Study Connections: 

Visual Arts: K-3.CN.1.1, 5-7.CN.1.1, 5.CN.2.2, K-3.RE.1.1, 5-8.RE.1.1, K-3.RE.1.2, 4.RE.1.2, 5-6.RE.1.2, 8.RE.1.2

Social Studies: 5.B.1, 2.G.1.2&3, 5.G.1&4, 8.G.1, K.H.1, 1.H.1.1

ELA: Speaking and Listening strands gr. 1-8. Similar analysis to Reading standards for Key Ideas and Evidence: RL.K.1&2, RL1.1&3, RL.2.1, RL.3.1, RL.4.1-3, RL.5.1-3, RL.6.1&2, RL.7.1&2, RL.8.1&2,RL.9-10.1, RL.11-12.1

Learning objectives: Students who experience an Art and Nature tour will be able to

  • identify ways artists and designers have been inspired by nature
  • define and identify terms like “horizon line,” “foreground,” “middleground,” and “background” when discussing landscapes
  • practice visual literacy skills of observation and interpretation
  • discuss and analyze landscapes and other naturally-inspired art, including Hudson River School paintings
  • compare works of art from different periods

Location: Reynolda House Museum of American Art

Available: until December 12, 2025; March 17-July 19, 2026;  returns Fall 2026

Accommodates: 8-48 people

90 minutes

$3 + tax per student

Questions? Contact Julia Tanner, julia@reynolda.org

Optional art workshops ($6 plus tax per student for tour + workshop)

REQUEST A K-12 Visit