NIACS Art

Washington D.C. 1992
"Columbus Legacy" Exhibition

Proposal submitted to Reggio Emilia:
Funded by:

Nerone's artistic works were displayed at the Capital Children's Museum with the artist demonstrating his artistic talent on canvas as the audience watched. Children had the opportunity to work with the artist in preparing their own paintings. A reception funded by Guest Services followed the exhibit brought from Italy to the United States by Dr. Maria Lombardo.

Washington, D.C.
"Daily Life of the Etruscans"

Funded by:

The then NIAF Education Director, Dr. Maria Lombardo coordinated a major show of Etruscan art, held in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 1984. The show was co-sponsored by the NIAF in conjunction with the University for Foreigners of Perugia, Italy. Three factors played an important role in the planning and success of the exhibition. First of all, the University for Foreigners had in the past offered important courses of study and outstanding scientific conferences on the history and art of the Etruscans. These courses and conferences, drew the participation of many illustrious Etruscologists and contributed to a deeper knowledge of this industrious and talented ancient people. The second factor was the discovery, shortly prior to the exhibition, of a group of Etruscan tombs in Perugia. Illustrations of this discovery, which had attracted worldwide attention, were included in the exhibition. The third factor contributing to the show's success was that it coincided with the "International Year of the Etruscans." In fact, throughout 1984, archaeologists, historians and scholars from around the world contributed to the knowledge of the history and products of this important ancient civilization. The NIAF exhibition launched the "International Year of the Etruscans" in the United States. The Archeological Superintendence of Perugia accepted the invitation of the University for Foreigners and graciously prepared the exhibition, which was welcomed with great interest in Washington, D.C., particularly by those attending a simultaneous NIAF convention. The NIAF gratefully acknowledged the Superintendent of Archaeology of Perugia, Dr. Anna Eugenia Feruglio, and all those who worked with her in the preparation of the fine exhibition.

Assisted in bringing the exhibit from Emilia - Romagna, "l'Occhio Se Salta il Muro" from Italy. This exhibit displayed at the Capital Children's Museum was intended to introduce teachers to a current Reggio Emilia Approach, a new methodology in the teaching of primary and elementary age children. The idea was that children needed to explore their environment as the basis for learning and expressing their ideas. Teachers from Maryland and Virginia attended.

During 1992, two exhibitions were held at the Capital Children's Museum in Washington, D.C., both entitled "The Christopher Columbus Legacy: Hopes, Dreams and Reality." These resulted from a national campaign initiated by the NIAF in 1991 to encourage teachers to utilize the 1992 Columbus Quincentennial for educational purposes.

In April 1992, the NIAF invited teachers in schools throughout the country to submit their most successful lesson plans focused on the study of Columbus and related topics. A panel of educators determined the most innovative entries, and compiled them in a teachers' resource guide. These outstanding teaching program ideas were shown at the Capital Children's Museum in the second "Columbus Legacy" exhibition, which was held during October and November 1992. At this second show, the artwork was not only by American students from various parts of the country, but also by Italian children in Alba, Italy and by a group of Russian children who were visiting the U.S. at the time.

Art Exhibits