Partnership offers interfaith art education

by Mary Helen Sprecher
newsroom@baltimoreguide.com

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Talk about cultural diversity.

A recent partnership between the Jewish Museum of Maryland and two Catholic high schools has resulted in better understanding—and not just in terms of two faiths.

According to JMM education director Deborah Cardin, each school made visits to the museum, and the staff members themselves gained new insights from watching the students take in synagogue services and the museum’s exhibits.

“It deepened the impact,” said Cardin. “It allowed us to look at our collections in new ways.”

Students from Seton Keogh High School and Cardinal Gibbons High School spent time at the JMM, and learned about Jewish religion, culture, traditions and history. Seton Keogh students also visited the United States Holocaust Museum. They had dialogues with local writer Jonathan Fuqua, made artwork and kept journals.
“We watched the progression of activities, which was just terrific,” said Cardin.

On Thursday, May 17, the JMM will showcase the results of the year-long partnership with two schools. From 5 p.m.-7 p.m., the museum will hold a reception for the students, parents, faculty, and school administrators, as well as an exhibition of the student work produced during the year.

Students at Seton Keough created large paintings and drawings as well as multi-media pieces examining their personal responses to the Holocaust. These projects will be on display in the lobby of the JMM of Maryland through June.
The purpose of the program, which involved not just JMM staff but high school teachers Daniel Kirsch (Cardinal Gibbons) and Myra Perel (Seton Keough) was to foster a better understanding of Judaism for future generations of Catholic students and to promote Judeo-Christian dialogue.

“For us, it was just wonderful to see, and to work with teachers and with each school,” said Cardin.

Note: The Jewish Museum of Maryland is located at 15 Lloyd Street. The artwork of the high school students will remain on display through the month of June. Info: 410-732-6400, http://www.jewishmuseummd.org/.