Over the past 48 years as an institution and 17 years with a dedicated education department, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens has grown into a dynamic space where art, horticulture, and education intersect to inspire lifelong learning.

Programming has grown with one central mission in mind: to meaningfully engage the community. This commitment to fostering connections, whether through hands-on workshops for adults and youth, school outreach programs, or accessible family events, continues to drive the Dixon’s educational efforts.

Since its inception, the Dixon’s education department has sought to provide opportunities for learning at every stage of life. On average, outreach sees 2,500 students monthly! This summer alone, the Dixon had 13 different library partnerships, 3 school partnerships, and 5 unique camps. Margarita Sandino, the Director of Education, has seen the program grow exponentially.

“The community component is where we hope to find the most growth. Our objective is to impact the community as well as the everyday visitor,” Margarita said.

Three of the primary program areas are Outreach with student, teen and adult programs; Youth programs, with a large offering of workshops and ongoing classes such as Mini-Masters and Kaleidoscope Club; and Adult Programs that offer lectures, workshops, themed group visits, wellness opportunities and more.

One of the longest-running programs, Art to Grow, brings the museum’s collection and creative experiences directly into all school systems in the area, prioritizing Memphis Shelby County Schools. This outreach program allows students who may not have regular access to arts education to discover art and nature in meaningful ways.

“Whenever people see the Dixon logo, they should immediately think that they can come and try something new! It’s about immersive experiences, not just looking at art,” Margarita said.

Both Mini Masters and Kaleidoscope Club programs have been instrumental in engaging the youngest learners, blending art with play to foster creativity and curiosity, through hands-on projects. Children gain confidence in expressing themselves and exploring new ideas.

Margarita said one of the biggest rewards is interacting with parents whose children have participated in the Dixon’s programs; and she's heard that those children often went on to study art at the college level.

“A parent shared that the Dixon is where the seed was planted. We love to see the continuance of learning. It’s important to teach young artists, at the middle school or high school level, that art is something that you can do as a form of living in the future.”

What sets the Dixon’s programs apart is an emphasis on community engagement. The museum now offers permanently free admission. The education department’s programs are crafted with the goal of meeting the diverse needs of the Memphis community.

Free events such as community nights, movie screenings, and holiday events, in addition to hands-on art-making activities, scavenger hunts, and performances, create opportunities for families to engage.

In recent years, the Dixon has made great strides in expanding its educational programming to be more accessible and inclusive. The museum and gardens have long recognized that learning doesn’t stop with childhood. Teen and adult workshops and lectures—whether focusing on art history, gardening, or movement—invite lifelong learners to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the arts.

“Accessibility for our programs is a very, very big part of what we do. We offer discounted programs for our members and every program has a scholarship opportunity.” Those interested in scholarship programs can contact Margarita at msandino@dixon.org.

Recognizing the diversity of its community, the museum actively works to lower barriers by incorporating accessibility into its core programming. The Dixon ensures that everyone can participate in the enriching experiences the museum offers.

As the Dixon moves into the future, its educational programming will continue to be driven by the goal of engaging the community in meaningful ways. Building on 17 years of success, education is always at the heart of the Dixon’s work.

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