Activities by Grade Level
High School

The Inspiration of Mount Monadnock
Medal Winners
Interview a Living Artist

History: Focus Question VIII – Self-Expression – How have NH people expressed their views, and what have they had to say?

Mount Monadnock provided inspiration to the artists of the Dublin Colony as well as to many other artists, writers and composers. Poet and author Ralph Waldo Emerson in “Monadnock from Afar” wrote:

Well the Planter knew how strongly
Works thy form on human thought;
I muse what secret purpose had he
To draw all fancies to this spot.

Describe what Emerson is attempting to convey in this passage. To whom is Emerson referring as the Planter?

Medal Winners
Language Arts: Standard 2, Using artworks as a catalyst for writing, Standards 6 & 7, Using English language to communicate in multiple ways and for multiple purposes.

Visit the MacDowell Colony website and select a past winner of the annual Edward MacDowell Medal. Research the person you have selected and prepare a nomination letter explaining why this creative artist is worthy of this prestigious award. What outstanding contribution has this artist made to our national culture?

Interview a Living Artist
Language Arts: Standard 3, Opportunities for speaking, listening, viewing.
History: Focus Question VIII – Self- Expression – How have NH people expressed their views, and what have they had to say?
Visual Arts: Standard 6, Students will make connections among the visual arts, other disciplines and daily life.

Arrange to visit a local gallery or artist’s studio to interview a professional or aspiring amateur artist. Ask them where they find inspiration for their work. What kind of settings or conditions do they need in order to nurture their creativity? Do they ever exchange ideas with other artists? Have they ever spent time at an artist colony? If so, what did they gain from the experience? How did it impact their art?

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