Grade Level:

Vibrant Learning: Exploring the Permanent Collection

Through its permanent collection, the Gibbes Museum of Art is dedicated to sharing a growing anthology of artists from diverse backgrounds and life experiences with you and your students. Shining a light on the many artists of color featured in the collection is a memorable way for your class to confront changes from the past, deal with challenges in the present, and prepare for what lies ahead in the future. At the Gibbes, original research, updated methods of interpretation, and discoveries of new objects offer you an on-going opportunity to teach sensitive and challenging subjects through the visual arts each time you visit with your class. This study guide can be used for a virtual introduction to some of these key pieces from the Gibbes. However, we would love to welcome your class in person, too! On a field trip to the Gibbes, you will explore several galleries on the second floor showcasing pieces from its permanent collection.


  • What is an American? American Landscapes

  • Who is Your Family? Leo Twiggs Remembers

  • Where is Charleston? Where Mary’s Grass Grows

  • When was that Made? Still Love Thy Neighbor

Classroom Activities and Project-Based Lesson Plans


Curriculum Standards

South Carolina College and Career-Ready StandardsNational Content Areas •

  • National Core Arts Standards
  • Next Generation Science Standards
  • Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
  • C3 Framework for State Social Studies Standards
  • Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

How to Use This Study Guide

Lesson Plan 1

What is an American? American Landscapes

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci


Lesson Plan 2

Who is Your Family? Leo Twiggs Remembers

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci


Lesson Plan 3

Where is Charleston? Where Mary’s Grass Grows

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exerci


Gallery Highlights