Educators

Gerard ter Borch (1617–1681) is one of the most intriguing painters of the 17th-century "Golden Age" when Holland grew wealthy through world trade and exploration. Ter Borch was an acute observer of the resulting changes to everyday life and developed a unique ability to render textures, from shimmering satin worn in parlors to farm animals in more humble surroundings. Although his subjects outwardly seem realistic, Ter Borch used symbols that project a sense of mystery.

Teachers’ Guide
Click Here to download and print a copy of the Teachers’ Guide with images [23 pages]. Adobe Acrobat Reader is necessary.

Use the Teachers’ Guide to prepare for your visit to Gerard ter Borch, contents include:
 •  Map and Summary of Exhibition
 •  Images, Information and Audio Stops
 •  Historical Background
 •  Links to Curriculum Standards, for grades 5–12
 •  Discussion Questions and Classroom Activities (view content online)
 •  Resources (view content online)

A copy of the Teachers’ Guide will be mailed once you reserve your tickets.

Audio Tour
The exhibition audio tour is free with admission, and features both an adult version (suitable for high school students) and youth version (for grades 5–8).

Visiting
Admission to the exhibition is $12 for adults and $6 for youth ages 6–17, and adult chaperones. Advance reservations are available for groups of 20 people or more. Limited admission and transportation subsidies are available. For reservations, call Group Sales at 313.833.1292.

Educators’ Discount at DIA Museum Shop
Please bring your educator’s identification to receive a 20% educational discount on products to be used exclusively in the classroom. This discount may not be combined with any other discount. (If you wish to receive a tax exemption with the 20% discount, you need a school tax ID number.)

“Ask Me” Docent
A museum-trained volunteer will be available during all open hours of the exhibition to speak to visitors and answer questions. (NOTE: there are no tours of Gerard ter Borch.)

Exhibition Preview
Click Here to take the online Preview Tour and learn more about Ter Borch and his life and times.

“Hidden Stories”
Tours of DIA Galleries
Gerard ter Borch’s paintings of everyday life often contained mysterious meanings. Join us on this tour of the museum’s permanent collection galleries to learn the fascinating "hidden stories" that lie beneath the surface of many of our masterworks from throughout the world. Offered daily at 1:30 p.m. for the general public. Begins in the Great Hall at the exit to Gerard ter Borch. Free with museum admission.

Dutch Paintings in the DIA
Gerard ter Borch includes paintings from museums from all over the world. As you exit the exhibition, there are several Dutch paintings on display from the DIA’s own renowned Dutch collection, including Rembrandt’s The Visitation.


Teacher Workshops

Evening for Educators: Gerard ter Borch
Friday, March 4, 5–7 p.m.
Museum educators identify key themes and objects within Gerard ter Borch. The 17th-century painter recorded everyday life when Dutch homes reflected world trade and exploration. Teachers from The Roeper School, Bloomfield Hills, link upper elementary language arts and art activities to the exhibition. Slide packets will be provided.

Member fee: $15; non-member fee: $20; student teacher fee: $10. Includes Friday night admission to the DIA. On Fridays, the museum is open until 9 p.m. with special programs for all ages. Click Here to view a complete list of upcoming Friday events. To register, call 313.833.4249.

Gerard Ter Borch
Saturday, March 12, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
DIA education staff identifies key themes and objects in a before-hours visit to Gerard ter Borch. Teacher Ken Hoover links the exhibition to the colonial American history and geography curriculum. In the afternoon, University of Michigan art historian Dr. Celeste Brusati reveals the symbolic meanings, visual puzzles, and ingenuity of Dutch art in the 17th-century. Slide packets will be provided.

Member fee: $40; non-member fee: $50; student teacher fee:$25. SB-CEU credit available for additional fee. To register, call 313.833.4249.


Adult Classes and Workshops

Adult classes and workshops are open to the public. SB-CEU credits are not available.

Painting Self-Portraits
February 19 & 26, March 5, 12 & 19, 9 a.m.–noon
Beginners with any level of confidence will enjoy this oil painting class. Participants will learn about painting portraits by painting a subject they know well, themselves.

Instructor: Kathy Rashid
Member fee: $120; Nonmember: $150

Adult Art History class: "Ter Borch and His Times"
March 12 & 19, 1–4 p.m.
In this two-part mini-course, University of Michigan art historian Dr. Celeste Brusati reveals the symbolic meanings, visual puzzles, and the ingenuity of 17th-century Dutch art with a focus on Gerard ter Borch.

Member and student fee: $32; Non-member fee: $40.


Workshop Registration

To register for workshops, call 313 833 4249. Teacher workshops are open to K–12 educators of all subjects.


Image Detail: Young Man Reading a Letter, ca. 1680; Oil on panel. The Detroit Institute of Arts. City of Detroit Purchase. (top)