This two-week, hands-on course introduces high school students to the methods of visual analysis and curatorial thinking central to the study of the history of art and architecture. Meeting daily on the UMass Amherst campus (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.), students will explore the Five College museum collections and architectural landmarks to learn how to look closely, think critically, and communicate clearly about visual form.
Students will spend mornings engaging in seminar-style discussions and visual analysis workshops, using images, sketching, and short writing exercises to deepen their understanding of how artworks and buildings communicate meaning through form, style, and material. Afternoon sessions will focus on site visits to museums and architectural sites across the Five Colleges, including guided tours and reflective activities. Midway through the course, students will begin collaborative work on their final exhibition project, culminating in a public opening at the Greenbaum Gallery.
This course is offered at the UMass Amherst campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.
Field Trips:
Students will frequently visit local museums and architectural sites throughout Five Colleges: UMass Amherst, Amherst College, Mt. Holyoke College, Smith College and Hampshire College.
Dates: June 28 - July 11, 2026
Program Length: 2 weeks
Format: In person
Residential or commuter
Schedule: M-F 9am - 4pm
Student Profile: Rising sophomore - senior
Cost: $4,119 Residential
$2,337 Commuter
Credits: 2