They offer meetings to educators/teachers who want to get acquainted with current exhibitions or individual works and artists represented in the halls of the GMU. Those interested in fine arts have the opportunity to open up topics and questions that they want to address with their pupils and students, with whom they subsequently come to the gallery. Educators share their own interpretations, feelings, but also experiences during the program. During the meeting, they can create enough topics and ideas that they will use when visiting the gallery with their students. "Towards education" takes place regularly once a month and it is possible to choose between morning or afternoon time. The educational program is offered free of charge and participants receive a certificate of completion of the entire cycle, which they can use in their self-education portfolio.

This week I had the opportunity to participate in the February meeting and, under the guidance of Helena Šestáková, discuss with educators the installation entitled Ach by Jan Šerých in the gallery foyer. At the beginning of the meeting, the educator outlined the areas she wanted to address and briefly introduced us to the installation. The variability of working with text, graphic and pictorial representation, the message of an ambiguous statement were topics we considered and discussed. We could also express ourselves non-verbally, using paper and pencil. It was interesting that almost all of the six participants “wrote down their notes” during the meeting using abstract shapes and sometimes almost concrete illustrations. They did not deny their creative spirit. For example, we discussed a lot about the placement of the work and its installation. And how it affects us in the space. I feel like we discussed Jan Šerých’s work from all sides! The teachers also shared their practical experience with including writing in the art curriculum. They agreed that it was not very popular among students, so suggestions were made to support and engage students in its creation.

GMU is one of the few galleries that organizes similar meetings for educators, especially in the visual arts. That's why I decided to participate in one of them. I was interested in how they are conducted, what the structure of the program is, and the motivation of educators to participate in the program. I know that such meetings are not easy to organize. I also had the opportunity to discuss with teachers their reasons for attending the program. What it brings to them. I was very pleased with their friendliness and openness.

I am very grateful to Helena for allowing me to participate in the program and for the time she and Patricie spent with me after it ended. I hope that the programs will continue to be successful and bring you and the teachers not only pleasure but also new inspiration.

Pavlína Pitrová, February 13, 2025