Closer Looks

WONDERWORKS and the DEPARTMENT OF ART HISTORY, RICE UNIVERSITY present an exploration of art and art history through lectures, discussions, readings, films, writing, and field trips.

16 June - 18 July 2025 | 10AM - 4PM, M-F | Rice University

The whole visible universe is but a storehouse of images and signs to which the imagination will give a relative place and value; it is a sort of pasture which the imagination must digest and transform.

Charles Baudelaire “The Governance of the Imagination,” The Salon of 1859, Revue Française, June 1859

Looking imaginatively and carefully at art takes practice but comes with its own rewards. Closer Looks will introduce you to works of all kinds, from the dawn of civilization to the here and now, sung and unsung, each with its own story. To keep things real, your walking shoes will take you behind the scenes as well as through the galleries of The Menil Collection, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, The Kimbell Art Museum, The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, The San Antonio Museum of Art, The Blanton Museum of Art and The Harry Ransom Center of the University of Texas. Their walls speak – actually rock – but don’t take our word for it.

You’ll also explore other works of special interest, remotely but intimately, via lectures, films, readings, discussions and individual and group projects, under the tutelage of art historians and curators whose knowledge and enthusiasm may put you on a lifetime path of discovery (and even collecting). Closer Looks is not about speed-dating the Muses, but taking the time to give more than a second glance to the efforts of some of the world’s most gifted artists while stocking and rearranging your ”storehouse of images and signs.” You’ll cover a lot of ground, literally and figuratively, though, as with any journey, it helps to have guides who’ve been there before and know how to cut to the chase and also where to linger. No prior art history required or expected; Closer Looks is also appropriate for students who have taken or plan to take AP Art History. Enrollment limited.

Closer Looks is open to high school students of special promise and ability who will be entering grades 10, 11, or 12 next fall or who will have just graduated from high school this spring. Admission is competitive – Wonderworks requires at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average plus a high level of achievement in relevant core subjects and commensurate scores on relevant sections of the PSAT/SAT or ACT.

Tuition and fees (not including parking) are $1000. Scholarships are available in the form of full-tuition waivers, but only for students demonstrating true financial need. Admissions are determined on a need-blind basis. No student will be prevented from participating in the program because of inability to pay tuition.

The program is held at the Rice University campus, Monday – Friday, except 19 June and 4 July. Closer Looks is meant to be enjoyable, but is also challenging and requires focused effort and commitment.

Please apply online starting 1 January. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 1 June. Early applications are encouraged and will receive early decisions. Late applications will be considered only if space remains available.

If you have questions or need additional information, please e-mail info@wonderworkshouston.org.