Schools & Educators
Aligned with State and Common Core Standards, MMA's adaptable K-12 programs are designed to engage students in deep looking, critical thinking, and creative art making. School tours are FREE for all Monterey County schools!
School Tours
School Tours are now filled for the 2025–26 school year. Please check back for future availability.
Image-focused, inquiry-based experiences that encourage students to look closely, share personal perspectives, and build connections.
Rainbow Tour Grade level TK - 1
A playful introduction to the Elements of Art for our youngest learners! In the galleries, students go on a colorful adventure as they explore Line, Shape, and Color through simple looking games and lively conversations. They'll notice how artists use these elements in surprising ways and share their discoveries together. In the classroom, a watercolor activity invites students to experiment with shapes and mix colors in creative combinations, turning their ideas into vibrant artworks. This tour supports California Visual Arts Standards by helping students identify, describe, and apply the foundational Elements of Art in their own creations.
California Landscapes Grade level 1 - 12
Step into the galleries and explore how California artists have captured the land over time. From early plein air paintings of the Monterey coastline and cypress trees, to photographs, to modern abstractions, students will see how artists represent place and environment from different perspectives. Through close looking, conversation, and creative thinking, students engage directly with original works of art. In the classroom, they create their own landscape paintings inspired by what they've seen, experimenting with composition and personal expression. This tour supports California Visual Arts Standards by encouraging students to observe, analyze, and respond to works of art while expressing their own creativity.
Mixed Media Grade level 1 - 12
Celebrate creativity and play through the exploration of mixed media works by California artists. In the galleries, students will discover how artists mix materials, textures, and techniques to spark new ideas and surprising results. Through guided looking and discussion, they'll explore inventive combinations and unexpected uses of everyday objects and materials. In the classroom, students experiment with a variety of media to create their own imaginative artworks. This tour supports California Visual Arts Standards by engaging students in observing, interpreting, and responding to works of art while developing their own creative voices.
Self-Guided Tour: Grade level 1 - 12+
Educators may choose to lead a self-guided tour of the available galleries. This tour allows educators the flexibility to expand or deliver their own lesson outside of the classroom or adopt an in-gallery activity to focus on a specific theme, media, artist(s), or historical/theoretical context.
Guided tours have a maximum capacity of 35 students. One tour request per classroom, please.
The Monterey Museum of Art works to provide an accessible experience for all our visitors. If your group has special needs, please include requests for accomodations in the Additional Information field.
Guidelines for All School Visits
Creative Pathways High School Mentorship Program
A free mentorship program for students interested in pursuing academic or occupational careers in the arts.
Educator Open House
Monterey Museum of Art invites Monterey County educators to a special evening celebrating your creativity, dedication, and the impact of arts education. Wander the galleries, experiment with hands-on art activities, and connect with fellow teachers in a relaxed, artful setting.
Fri, August 22, 2025, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
To learn more about our programs, please contact us directly at education@montereyart.org.
Support for bus funding provided in part by Monterey Peninsula Volunteer Services.