Sheldon Museum of Art Main Content

For University Faculty

With holdings of nearly 13,000 objects—paintings, photographs, sculpture, works on paper—Sheldon actively collaborates with academic departments and faculty members of all disciplines to connect its collections, exhibitions, and programs with their curricula and teaching objectives.

Below are some ways to use Sheldon in your teaching and research. To discuss these or other possibilities for your classes or scholarship, contact Erin Hanas, curator of academic engagement, at erin.hanas@unl.edu or 402-472-3541.

Schedule a tour

Guided tours may include a general introduction to the museum and its exhibitions or a visit tailored to specific class themes, objectives, or readings. To schedule a tour, submit a tour request at least two weeks in advance.

Explore our objects

To access selected works in our collection that complement the learning objectives of college-level research and courses, submit a Collection Observation Lab request at least three weeks in advance. Sheldon staff can assist in identifying relevant works of art.

Develop assignments or experiential learning opportunities

Assign your students research or creative projects, writing, or critical thinking exercises that connect their engagement with art and/or the museum to your course objectives. Collaborate with museum staff to design experiential learning opportunities such as curatorial projects, performances, presentations, or Sheldon-as-client scenarios.

Visit our library

Sheldon’s extensive library of exhibition catalogues, artist monographs, and art-related reference materials is accessible to faculty and students. This non-circulating library is also open to the public by appointment. For more information, contact Monica Babcock, associate to the director and administrative project manager, at mbabcock1@unl.edu or 402-472-2463, or check in at the visitor services desk for access.

Organize an exhibition

Sheldon’s Focus Gallery is a small, flexible space in which faculty and their students may curate course-related exhibitions of objects from the Sheldon collection. Working in collaboration with museum staff, students research works, design an installation, and create interpretive materials and programs. For more about curatorial opportunities at Sheldon, contact Erin Hanas, curator of academic engagement, at erin.hanas@unl.edu.