One Painting, Many Stories: The Art of Finding Meaning in Objects
Connecticut Arts Docent Network (CADN)
Thursday, October 15th | 9 am – 1:30 pm at Connecticut’s Old State House
Includes hands-on workshop activity and a tour of Connecticut’s Old State House.
$25 Members; $35 Non-members
How do you help fourth graders, teens, and out-of-state visitors find meaning in the
same museum object?
Join us for a talk and hands-on activities that will unlock the stories hidden in one of Connecticut’s most remarkable treasures by looking at it through a variety of lenses. We’ll explore Gilbert Stuart’s 1801 portrait of George Washington, commissioned by Connecticut’s General Assembly in the months following Washington’s death. Using entry points such as conservation, stewardship, artistic ambition, Connecticut’s ties to Washington, and the full complexity of Washington as a historical figure, this session will find ways to help visitors uncover stories embedded in museum objects.
Whether you work with elementary school groups or seasoned art and history enthusiasts, this session will give you practical, flexible tools for turning any object into a conversation — and any visitor into someone who leaves wanting to know more.
Schedule
9:00 am – Check in and breakfast
9:30 am – Welcome
9:45 am – Warm up activity
10:15 am – Keynote: One Painting, Many Stories:
The Art of Finding Meaning in Objects
11:00 am – Concluding activity
11:30 am – Break
11:45 pm – Tour of Connecticut’s Old State House & time in exhibit spaces
1:00 pm – Self exploration of Hartford and lunch on your own
Parking available in nearby garages and on the street. Details provided with confirmation.
Photos may be taken at public events and may be used for CADN literature and social media.