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Children view a stained-glass window with a volunteer during the Christmas season.

Education

A spectrum of educational programs for people of all ages


The Paine’s distinctive combination of the mansion, collections, and gardens offers learning experiences for people of all ages. Whether you’re exploring art, architecture, history, or nature, the Paine’s education team offers a spectrum of exciting activities.

Elementary school students on a field trip walk up the Grand Staircase.

Field Trips

The Paine offers free opportunities for schools to enhance their curricula. Our programs maximize engagement through integrating the arts with other subjects such as history, literacy, science, and math. Our team can also tailor field trips to fit learning targets for various levels, and create custom field trip experiences based on current exhibitions.

Please review the Paine’s educational program policies here. To arrange a tour for your school group, please contact Educator Kelsey Raschke at kraschke@thepaine.org or call (920) 235-6903 ext. 41.

The Studio

Located on the lower level of the mansion, the Paine’s Studio offers an invitation to relax during visiting hours. Cozy up with a book on a sofa or use the tables to work. Independent art activities are available as well, and are included with admission (free for Paine Members). Find inspiration by exploring the Paine’s current exhibition, mansion, or gardens, then let your imagination run wild with coloring, performing on the stage, or other activities. The Studio is also designed to host professional development workshops, meetings, and collaborations.

A girl creates a bead using magazine paper and toothpicks.
A girl and boy play with mushroom-shaped drums in the Children’s Garden. Photo by Mirrorless Productions.

Children’s Garden

Outdoors, the Children’s Garden offers a space for families to explore nature and play in a botanical setting, with a circular stage, picnic tables, a cabin, a marimba, and mushroom-shaped drums. The Paine also hosts various programs and activities for families in the garden during the summer months, such as a monarch waystation or scavenger hunts.

SPARK!

The Paine hosts a free program for people with memory loss and their care partners on the last Wednesday of each month. Together we enjoy activities related to art, gardens, and current events or exhibitions at the Paine. The programs do not rely on recalling memories, but instead focus on observations, conversations, and creative experiences. Facilitators have been trained by Alzheimer’s professionals and collaborate with community partners to continually enhance programming.

Learn more about SPARK! at the Paine here.

A couple poses for a photo at a table

ArtsCore

Through the ArtsCore partnership, the Paine works with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and area school districts to support educators who teach in and through the arts. The ArtsCore Collaborative includes a summer retreat at the Paine, professional development days throughout the school year, shared planning opportunities, and mentoring for implementation of ideas in the classroom.

Through ArtsCore’s offerings for pre-service teachers, the Paine welcomes high school and university courses for future educators and offers educational internship opportunities. ArtsCore Adventures, a new field trip program, will create arts integrated lessons and field trips in collaboration with ArtsCore-trained teachers. To learn more ArtsCore, please contact Mary Pleiss, Director of Education and ArtsCore Coordinator, at mpleiss@thepaine.org or (920) 235-6903 ext. 44.