In a perfect alignment of unique and temporary exhibits at UVM’s Fleming Museum, the Fourth through Sixth Grade students at The Renaissance School were able to extend two very distinct classroom units of study to “travel” back in time to see the ancient samurai of Japan and then return back home with a viewing of the amazing masks of Vermont’s own Bread and Puppet Theater.

The first stop on this remarkable journey began in the Wilbur Room with the Masked Spectacle: Commedia dell’Arte and Bread & Puppet Theater exhibit. Students marveled at the many styles of masks from the Glover, Vermont puppet theater group, commenting on how their own mask-making and puppet-making units of study so closely mirrored many elements found in this display, creating even more excitement in anticipation of their own “Bread & Puppet” style drama performance on May 5th.

Next, the children enjoyed a guided tour of the museum’s own collection of permanent artifacts from ancient China and Japan, as well as the special Spring 2011 exhibit Shadows of The Samurai: Japanese Warrior Traditions housed in the Wolcott Gallery. Here they embarked on a visual scavenger hunt to find the intricate patterns and artistic elements hidden within the ornately decorated weaponry and armor of the brave and noble samurai.

The morning at the museum concluded with an educational, hands-on art activity where students designed and then printed their very own “Mon” banners. Mon are Japanese emblems used to decorate and identify an individual or family. The colorful hangings are currently on display at the school.