Flat Stanley Visits the Phillips

Flat Stanley is a book project about a paper doll who travels the world. For years, students have been creating their own Flat Stanleys and sending them to family, friends, and relatives across the globe.

A friend of mine is a second grade teacher in California, and she decided to use the Flat Stanley project as a way to teach her students the language arts standard of writing a friendly letter. Each of her students created their own Flat Stanley and mailed him to someone in a faraway place along with a letter explaining his likes and dislikes.

I got my Flat Stanley from Sebastian, who instructed me to show him around my hometown and to document our adventures. In addition to showing him the iconic buildings and monuments of Washington, D.C., I brought Flat Stanley to the Phillips to show him some of the wonderful artwork we have in our collection. I think his favorite painting may have been van Gogh’s The Road Menders, but it seems he enjoyed Luncheon of the Boating Party as well.

Natalie Mann, School, Outreach, and Family Programs Coordinator

Flat Stanley visits the U.S. Capitol Building. Photo: Natalie Mann

Natalie MannFlat Stanley visits the U.S. Capitol Building. Photo: Natalie Mann

Flat Stanley with his favorite painting by van Gogh. Photo: Natalie Mann

Flat Stanley with his favorite painting by van Gogh. Photo: Natalie Mann

Flat Stanley strikes a pose with Renoir's masterpiece. Photo: Natalie Mann

Flat Stanley strikes a pose with Renoir’s masterpiece. Photo: Natalie Mann