FREE Self-Guided Tours and In-Gallery Activities

Teachers are welcome to tour the Frye exhibitions with students on their own. (Please register in advance using the registration form in the sidebar on this page.) Sketching in the galleries is always encouraged!

Click here for Educator Guides related to current exhibitions.

K-12 Guided Tours and Art Activities

Guided tours include a one-hour discussion led by a trained Museum guide and a one-hour art activity in the Frye Art Studio led by Museum staff. Tours are based on the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) and target specific grade levels. Guides and staff are trained to provide optimal experiences for students of all ages.

We recommend teachers visit the Museum before their tours to become familiar with exhibition content.

Thinking Through Art (Grades K–5)

These interactive tours emphasize critical thinking and looking skills rather than art-historical content. Students hone observation skills and use evidence to construct meaning. Art-making activities include painting, drawing, and printmaking. Gallery Guides trained in the use of Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) facilitate open-ended discussions with students, who:

• Articulate and support observations about the artworks they see
• Build upon one another’s observations
• Participate in a respectful and non-threatening discussion that focuses on students’ perspectives and ideas

Intersections (Grades 6–12)

Intersections tours allow learners to explore the intersections between visual art and language arts, history, and science. Art-making activities complement the theme of each tour. Students may choose from a variety of media including printmaking, watercolor, drawing, sculpture, collage, and new media. This program strengthens students’ visual perception, critical thinking skills, and understanding of artists’ use of materials and techniques.

K-12 Pre-Visit by Museum Staff

Prior to a Frye visit, teachers may schedule a Museum educator to speak with students in their classroom! This program encourages students to look carefully at works of art and talk about what they observe. The pre-visit is optional, but is recommended especially for first-time visitors to the Frye. This opportunity is available for schools within ten miles of the Seattle city limits.