TRC Frequently Asked Questions

Are you curious about the TRC, the Seattle Art Museum, or have a question about art? Others may have wondered the same thing. If so, the answer may be here in our FAQ.

Click on a question to find the answer.

If your question about art is not answered here, try submitting your question to our Ask A Docent page.

General Museum

TRC

How can I become a volunteer at the museum?

There are many volunteer opportunities within the museum. Such as Rental/Sales Gallery, Teacher Resource Center, Visitor Services and Summer Camp volunteers. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Manager at (206) 654-3168, or email volunteer@seattleartmuseum.org.

How can I obtain slides of a SAM special exhibit?

Contact the TRC directly (phone: (206) 654-3186, email: TRC@SeattleArtMuseum.org) to get information on the availability of slides and/or transparencies for rent or purchase. The TRC normally has teacher packets or curriculum guides for our special exhibits. Since many of the works are on loan, you may need to contact the individual museums for slides of the images they own.

How can I register for a tour?

Call (206) 654-3186 for the TRC information line. Or you can order a School & Teacher Brochure online. In the Brochure you will receive information about various tours with docents or self-guided, plus a reservation form.

What resources are available to teach a unit about art and music?

We do not have any pre-packaged plans that fit this topic, however here are some suggestions and links to websites that may be of assistance in creating a valuable lesson plan.

1. Incorporate Jacob Lawrence and the relevent themes of his paintings in comparsion to the music being created by african-americans during similar time periods. How does Jacob Lawrences use of rhythm and repition coincide with jazz?

Resources Available:
Jacob Lawrence: American Painter. By Jill Rullkoetter and Ellen Harkins Wheat. Publisher: Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, WA; 1986. Teacher packet produced in conjunction with the Jacob Lawrence exhibit at SAM. Includes descriptions of the works of art, discussion questions, activities,and slides. 9pp. (AMER 40.20.013 c.1)
Jacob Lawrence: American Painter. By Ellen Harkins Wheat. Publisher: SeattleArt Museum, Seattle, WA; 1989. Explores themes often represented in Lawrence's paintings. Includes 20 slides, discussion questions and activities, and gallery guide. 9 pp. (AMER 20.37.022 c.1)
African American Art in the Twentieth Century
Black History-Jacob Lawrence's Style
Great Migration Wall Hanging

2. Learning About Leonardo Created by students, this website explores the mystery behind the smile and features original da Vinci music.
Why Is Mona Lisa Smiling?

3. Listen to different types of music and have the student design an album covers.

Can I get materials online?

Download lesson plans and activities for classroom use. With materials on current exhibitions such as Explore Korea: A Visit to Grandfather's House, you can choose to download one activity or the entire curriculum guide.

Can only teachers use the Teacher Resource Center?

No. We welcome all educators - teachers, principals, home schooling, parents, art volunteers, student teachers, education students and arts educators. It is FREE to join and all are invited to open houses, teacher workshops and special seminars. Information in the Teacher Resource Center is accessible to educators for all levels in all disciplines

Do the online activities the museum offers stay online?

Yes. Seattle Art Museum has created several online activity sites for students and educators to use. Many of the sites are based on special exhibitions at both SAM and SAAM. All activities are indefinitely stored on the SAM website, so you don't have to worry about saving them.

Do you only have resources on Asian Art?

No, we have resources on all SAM's collections that include Africa, N.W Coast Native American.

How long can I borrow the materials?

You can check materials out for up to 14 days, with a one-time renewal on materials when you call or email your request.

I just joined the TRC. How do I rent videos, books and other resources?

You may come into the TRC during our business hours to check out resources for two weeks.
We are open:
Thursday, 2-8
Friday, 2-5
Saturday, 1-5

We are located at the Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 East Prospect Street, Volunteer Park. Thanks again for your inquiry and if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the TRC.

What is the Teacher Resource Center?

The Wyckoff Teacher Resource Center is a lending library for educators and parents. The TRC offers interdisciplinary, classroom-ready, materials to help you integrate art into the classroom.

What kind of resources do you loan out?

The TRC has a wide variety of materials to check out such as poster sets, videos, books, curriculum guides, lesson plans, games and CD-ROMs. We have resources on both the collections Downtown and at the Asian Art Museum.
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