Student
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Student Name
Instructor Mrs. Trevino
Humanities 1301
(date of your visit)
Museum Critique
The critique of your museum visit (either to the MFA-Houston or The Menil Collection)
must include paragraphs on the following critical areas. You must also have proof of attendance
(either a ticket stub or a program) stapled to this critique. You should type the subtitle for each
critical area and then type a well developed paragraph describing each area.
General Atmosphere: First, name the museum you visited and the date of your visit. Describe
the general atmosphere of the museum. Was it a formal or casual atmosphere? Was it noisy due
to the crowds, or was it more solemn? Did you feel comfortable or intimidated by the museum’s
atmosphere?
Most Enjoyable Work of Art: Critique one work of art (whether it is a painting or a sculpture)
and describe what you enjoyed most about it. Why did it appeal to you? Was it the color, the
size, or texture that was pleasant? Was it the subject matter? Ask yourself: Does this work of
art move or stir my emotions in any way? Does it make me think? Be sure to name the work of
art and give details in this paragraph.
Least Enjoyable Work of Art: Do the same in this paragraph as above, except now focus on a
work of art that was not pleasing to you. Why does this work of art promote negative feelings
within you? Why do you dislike it? Be sure to name the work of art and give details in this
paragraph.
Student
Quality of the Art: In this paragraph, describe either the low or high quality of the various
works of art. To you, was some or most of the art clearly professional? Amateurish? Is some
art not worthy of being in a museum? Why?
Overall Appreciation and Final Comments: Was this a learning experience? Was it new to
you? What could have been done to enhance your visit? Will you be inclined to return to this
(or any) museum in the future? Would you advise your friends to go or stay away? Did you see
any works of art that have a correlation to what we have studied so far in Humanities 1301?
Note:
This critique should be typed using the MLA format as it is here: double spaced, heading and
title, 1” margins (top, bottom, left, right), 12 point Times New Roman font, 2-3 pages in length.
The quality of your responses will determine your grade; therefore, you should elaborate, give
details, and watch spelling and grammar. The titles of works of art are underlined.
Due date: You may do this assignment any time this semester, but I must have it by the due
date, November 3, 2014.
Grade: This critique is worth 10% of your semester average.
The Museum of Fine Arts-Houston is free on Thursdays; call (713-639-7300) to see if it is free
on other days to students with an art assignment.
The Menil Collection (near University of St. Thomas) is always free. (713-525-9400)
Google each museum to see maps, directions, parking information.
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