Santa Barbara Museum of Art - Asian Art Collection

"... down from the library came a loud ping                                                          From a vase which was commonly said to be Ming -                                             Then the family would say: "Now which was that cat?"

- T. S. Eliot: Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer                                                         from Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats

The Santa Barbara Art Museum is a host to a wonderful variety of superb works.  Though the collection is not large, it has an excellent sampling of work from not only China but also from other Asian cultural regions.  It is very easy for students to get to the museum - simply call or check Amtrak train schedules, take the train to Santa Barbara, and walk up the street ten blocks from the train station.  The address of the museum is 1130 State Street (805) 963-4364.  Call or check their website to verify visiting hours and ticket prices. 
 
Purpose:
Having studied Asian religion and culture, and Chinese art in particular, this extra-credit project is offered in order to help students review their knowledge (and appreciation, hopefully) of Asian traditions.  It's a nice grade boost too.
 
Once You Are There: (The basics):

You will be doing a write-up of various aspects of the collection.  You will need to attach your ticket to the write-up in order to receive 5 points of the 25 points possible.  If the museum has a specifically Asian special exhibit (such as the Qin and Han tomb figures or Chinese portraiture) you can staple your special exhibit ticket to the write up as well, include some of the works they show, and receive an additional 5 points of extra credit.  Projects do not need to be typed, but that nicks you an extra couple of points.

The Four Parts of the Write-Up:
  
 A. Religious Artifacts

1. - 5.  Identify 5 different religious artifacts.  For each, give the following information:

 B. Chinese Dynasty Artifacts

 6. - 10. Chinese Dynastic Artifacts.  Identify five different dynastic artifacts (these must be from different dynasties and cannot be the same as any of the pieces you have used in # 1 - 5).  For each, give the following information:

 C. Non-Chinese Artifacts

 11. - 15. Non-Chinese Artifacts.  Identify 5 non-Chinese artifacts.  These may represent fewer than 5 different cultures, but each one must represent a different period if they're from the same culture.  You may not use any of the same artifacts you used in #1 - 10.  For each piece, give the following:

 D. Personal Reflections

 16. - 20. For each of the following, write an explanation (a full paragraph) after identifying what the item is; you need to explain WHY you put it in the particular category.  There are five different categories.  For each category you will select the ONE piece from all of the collection which you feel to be...

     * the most ... valuable.

     * the most ... beautiful.

     * the ugliest.

     * the most ... time-consuming to make

     * the one you personally would like to have in your own home (be sure to explain where you would put it in your home). 

Write it all up, attach your tickets, and hand it in for up to 25 points!  (+5  with a special exhibit, +2 for typing.)

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SB Museum FAQ’s:

Question: You say a "Brief" description.  How much is that?

Answer: Usually, one paragraph should do it. Probably more than a sentence, but if one sentence says it all, then it is enough.

Question: Does spelling (and grammar and punctuation) count on this?

Answer: Actually, on this project, yes.

Questions: How about incomplete sentences?

Answer: For the purposes of this extra credit, write using good English.  Incomplete sentences are acceptable, sometimes.  Other times...  no.  Just don't be barbaric.  Don't write in bullets for this project.  Other projects all I care about is information (like on tests - I never demand complete sentences except in essays). 

Question: Do we have to type it?

Answer: No.  But typing gives you a couple more extra credit points.

Question: Can we do the same project at another museum?

Answer:  Sure - provided it's a museum with a sufficiently large Asian Art collection and some Chinese stuff in it.  There are great Asian Art Museums I've been to in places like San Francisco and Seattle, both of which have significant Asian populations who have helped support the museum over the years.  Unfortunately the Japanese Art Museum in LA (right next to the LACMA) is too limited to be of use for this project.  It is a beautifully designed museum and I recommend going there, but its collection is far too narrowly focused for it to be of use, given our emphasis on Chinese art history.  The LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) does have an adequate collection, however, and can be used for this project.

Question:  Will this stuff be on the test?
 
Answer: No.  This is an extra credit assignment.  I do not test on extra-credit, unless it is extra credit on the test.  But no.  None of these works will appear on the test unless I am able to get slides of them.

Question:  I don't have a car; how do I get there?

Answer: You don't need a car - just get to the local Transportation Center and take the train up to SB.  Be careful to plan your time so you have enough time to see the museum and be able to get back to the station before the last train leaves.  Se the links at the top of the page for more information.

Question: Are there any places to eat there?  Or should we pack a lunch?

Answer: You can eat on the train / you can eat in the rain.  When you walk up the Street / you'll see plenty to eat.  There's lots of places  / to stuff your faces.