One gift has now become another.

Radcliffe Bailey’s “7 Steps,” given to the Georgia Museum of Art as part of a larger endowment by Larry and Brenda Thompson, will be the focus of an “Artful Conversation” led by Carissa Di Cindio, the museum’s curator of education.

“I realized how many connections people can make,” DiCindio said. “It’s just so rich in its imagery.”

Bailey is a contemporary artist, and his work “7 Steps” combines painterly and sculptural elements that invite viewers’ commentary.

“7 Steps” was recently given to the Georgia Museum of Art as part of a larger gift, and the timing is fortuitous — though no coincidental — as it allows GMOA’s curator of education to lead a conversational lecture about the work. EVAN STICHLER/Staff

“I selected it because I’ve been working with it,” DiCindio said. “I wanted to get to know it. It lends itself to interpretations. I think of the work as an old friend that I’ve gotten to know.”

DiCindio’s upcoming educational program exemplifies one of the reasons that the Thompsons selected GMOA to house several artworks from their personal collection.

“It’s why [the Thompsons] gave it to us, because we do things like this,” said Hillary Brown, GMOA’s director of communications.

Even though Black History Month begins today, and the deed of gift and financial commitment for the endowment of the Thompsons’ gift has only recently been signed, the selection of Bailey’s work for this month’s lecture is extemporaneous.

“It’s just a coincidence with the gift,” DiCindio said. “I’m glad we can use it in conjunction with the gift.”

Visiting an art museum that showcases many artworks can overwhelm visitors. One of the goals of “Artful Conversations” is to put viewers at ease by focusing on one work of art, but broaden the conversation.

“It gives us a group experience,” DiCindio said. “A dialogue between all of us can build a rich interpretation. They’re able to make connections whether they know a lot about art or not.”

Also, the program allows its participants to experience an artwork gradually.

“This approach slows you down,” DiCindio said. “We focus on one work for 30 to 45 minutes. You look again, and you learn something new. To me, that’s the magic of art.”

While viewers can contribute their perspectives on a work of art, it also provides visitors an opportunity to learn from an expert.

“There’s a little more interaction than the usual museum tour,” Brown said. “It’s like a conversation.”

ARTFUL CONVERSATION: “7 Steps”

Where: Georgia Museum of Art

When: 2 p.m.