Discussions program, two classes from Carlisle Area High School and Cumberland Valley High School visited the Trout Gallery on Nov. 13, to view “The Ghosts of Our Meat” exhibit by Sue Coe. The 2013 College Arts Prize winner, Coe’s exhibit contains more than 40 paintings, drawings and prints from the past 25 years that address issues of animal rights, animal cruelty, the meatpacking industry and the ethics of meat consumption.

The Desserts and Discussions events are open to the public and serve as a learning experience for high school classes. These sessions are intended to provide an art historical and cultural context, show the art process, display the principles of design and discuss the comparative analysis and interpretation. Started several years ago by the Curator of Education, Wendy Spires, the Dessert and Discussion programs are intended to expand and enrich the curriculum of the class.

“Usually we go to the exhibit to get an illustrative and interactive view of art that we usually study in class,” said a student from Cumberland Valley High School.

The exhibit was presented with Coe’s background, the context in which this collection was created and Coe’s activism for the students. Students then broke up into groups to answer questions regarding the paintings.

“Wendy Spires offers [Desserts and Discussions] for a particular group either from campus or local high schools,” said Stephanie Keifer, senior administrative assistant from the Trout Gallery. “She is in touch with local high school teachers whenever a particular exhibition we have on view ties in with a particular subject matter.”

“A couple of our local high school art teachers try to schedule a visit for their classes to visit our exhibitions which is scheduled into our calendar of outreach programs being offered at the time,” reported Keifer.

Through the Trout Gallery website, teachers and professors can schedule Desserts and Discussion. “The Ghosts of Our Meat” will be on display through Feb. 8, 2014.