Art Docents

Bringing art to the children of the Los Gatos Union School District

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Training Update – November 2017

November 8, 2017 By Julie Ferrario

Our Trainers Hard at Work!

Thank you Traci, Julie and Janice

Training Update – November 2017

The small but competent class of 7 continues to develop their knowledge and skills towards becoming our newest art docents!  They have been observing active docents in the classroom and helping with workshops.  Most of them attended our first general meeting and our trainee mixer at Julie H.’s home.

They have been divided into small groups and gave two 5 minute mini print presentations to practice their skills.  The trainees also participated in the full 3rd Grade Abstract Art Lesson and Workshop led by Michelle K. in their 4th week of class.  It was beneficial to learn through participation and they each created their own beautiful piece of art.

The following week we all ventured to Daves Avenue to observe a 2nd grade Color & Value Lesson taught by the experienced docent Mary L.  After returning to  class, we had discussion about this and other observations and how it related to their homework on topics of curriculum, classroom skills and preparation.

Week 6 was the opportunity for each of the trainees to present a 5 minute single print on their own.  We assigned them each one print, one grade level and a few of the visual art terms to incorporate into their quick presentation.  We evaluated them based on our expectations that they each introduce themselves, present their art terms clearly and grade appropriately, ask questions, repeat answers, formulate more discussion from the answers, summarize their terms/lesson, thanking the class and ending with a positive comment.

​All 7 trainees successfully completed this task and we look forward to seeing their skills as they prepare for the full print presentations they will be doing the final weeks of training.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Training

President’s Letter – October 2017

October 5, 2017 By Julie Ferrario

October Art Fun!

For the Art Docents….October brings new trainees, 1st grade printmaking workshops, and 7th grade Scientific Illustration Workshops. It is the beginning of teaching in all the LGUSD classrooms. Starting the year off right with terrific lessons about critical thinking skills, elements of art and principles of design, while using famous art as our subject matter.

For most of us….costumes, candy, chilly nights are all things that come to mind in October.  Try something different this year by celebrating with your kids and incorporate art.

Below are 7 ideas that might be fun and inspiring for you and your family!  

The Art Docents know how fun it is to take different opportunities to teach children about famous art.  As you research and look for famous artwork and get inspired to make something fun with your kids…you will be learning about art at the same time.

(Click on links below for more info on art projects and artists)


1. Create your costumes inspired from great works of art.  

“American Gothic” by Grant Wood in 1930

“Girl with the Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer,  c. 1665


2. Paint or draw spooky artwork

inspired by the style of a famous painting.

“The Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh in 1889.

 

3. Learn about The unexpected math behind Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” by watching a quick youtube video while you are painting.


4. Create your own “Scream” painting

by using watercolors and a straw to spread the paint.

“The Scream” by Edvard Munch, 1893


5. Take time to talk to your child about

emotions and mental health

by learning more about the artist Edvard Munch

after watching Edvard Munch brief biography and artwork.

6. Use oil pastels to paint “The Scream”

How To Draw The Scream By Edvard Munch

Norwegian painter Edvard Munch is widely known for his iconic pre-Expressionist painting “The Scream” (“The Cry”). Born in 1863 in Löten, Norway, famed painter Edvard Munch established a free-flowing, psychological-themed style all his own. His painting “The Scream” (“The Cry”; 1893), is one of the most recognizable works in the history of art. His later works proved to be less intense, but his earlier, darker paintings ensured his legacy. A testament to his importance, “The Scream” sold for more than $119 million in 2012—setting a new record.


 7. Paint or sketch an original work of art using Pumpkins!

 

Thank you for your support of our non-profit organization!

Our Mission is:

To expand a child’s educational and cultural experiences in order to foster the development of more flexible, innovative and creative individuals.

This is accomplished through sequential programs and activities in art history, art criticism, aesthetics, art techniques and opportunities for creative expression.

Our Goals are:

  • Introduce visual art as a tool for self-expression and personal growth.
  • Develop criteria for interpreting, analyzing and critiquing art.
  • Develop visual arts literacy.
  • Provide opportunity for exercising critical thinking and respectful response.
  • Develop an understanding and appreciation of art from a variety of geographical
    and historically diverse cultures.
  • Provide opportunities and training for developing art skills and experiencing the creation of art.

Have an Artful October!

Julie Ferrario

President of the Art Docents of Los Gatos

Filed Under: Blog, President's Letters

Training Update – October 2017

October 5, 2017 By Julie Ferrario

Training Update – October 2017

 

 

Although the low turnout for the Open House was worrisome,  the Executive Board members and other docents pulled together to recruit a few more trainees for this year’s training class.  We have a small but talented group of 7 new trainees as of week 2.  We’ve left the door open for others to join until week 3, so maybe we will have a few more.

Week one was a successful kickoff to the training classes where we focused on the ins and outs of our organization, curriculum and training.  We are continuing to focus on using our online and digital tools for sign ups and learning videos this year.  The next month the trainees will begin giving group and individual print presentations, as well as observing and assisting active docents in the classroom.  Be sure to check out their bios and learn more about our newest members in the upcoming October Palette newsletter.

Traci M, Julie H. and Janice J

Art Docent Trainers 2017

Filed Under: Blog, Training

President’s Letter – September 2017

September 7, 2017 By Julie Ferrario

Welcome to a new and exciting year in the Art Docents of Los Gatos. I’m happy to start the new year as your President!

Over the summer I have been sorting through our office files and photos and came across some truly amazing information left behind by former presidents.  I would like to start out by taking a moment to appreciate the many Presidents that have come before me – Michelle, Judith, Mary, Louise, Mary, Julia, Elizabeth, Alice, Maryann, all the way back to Emma Rau in 1973 – so many volunteers and so many years of such a great arts program here in our town of Los Gatos, CA. It is so nice to see that we have past presidents still really committed and involved in our program – that’s what makes Art Docents of Los Gatos continue for 44 years….great volunteers!
As I’ve been sorting through old files, adding a new photo board of all our members, helping to get the ceiling tiles replaced in the office I’ve been looking forward to continuing in the path of the former Presidents and adding my part to this wonderful program.

Art Docents is a non-profit organization, bringing art to over 3,000 students in the LGUSD for over 40 years!  If you think about it in numbers….estimated 40 years x 2000 students = over 80,000 people the Art Docents have inspired and educated.   We have a rich history beginning in 1973.  Throughout the years our focus has been on teaching arts to the students.  Being a former teacher and an artist at heart – I’m very interested in our continual growth of curriculum.  These next few years we will be looking at our curriculum and see how we correlate with STEAM, combining the Arts with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Our curriculum has developed and changed with the times over the past 44 years – and we continue to update and celebrate the presentations we give to our students.  

The Art Docents of Los Gatos are the “A” in STEAM


I’m happy to introduce our

Executive Board for 2017-2018.  

We are so lucky to have such dedicated people

to help steer our program.

President – Julie Ferrario

Treasurer – Jenny Gifford

Co-VP Programs A – Stacey Closser

Co-VP Programs B – Theresa Bricker

Co-VP Fundraising/PR – Sue Ward

Co-VP Fundraising/PR – Stephanie Draca

VP Membership – Sue Walsh

Parliamentarian – Michelle Abene

Secretary – Judith Fishwick

 

Looking forward to working with you and meeting our new trainees!

Julie Ferrario

Art Docents of Los Gatos, President

Filed Under: Blog, President's Letters

Los Gatos Plein Air Art Show and Sale

June 3, 2017 By Julie Ferrario

 

Visit Marie Cameron’s Website where she has  written a blog post  (see excerpt below) about

the Los Gatos Plein Air Art Show and Sale!

We are so happy to have Marie on our Board of Directors.

Its great to have local artist’s taking part in our great organization!

Marie Cameron Studio – Blog

There are a few spots open on Saturday 6/17 that we need to fill for

the Los Gatos Plein Air Art Show.

Art Docents please consider signing up, it is a fun and easy event!

LOS GATOS PLEIN AIR SIGN UP SHEET

Art-Docent-Volunteers-Julia-and-Judith-Los
Art Docents Julia and Judith, volunteering at the 2016 Plein Air Show and Sale

Los Gatos Plein Air Art Show and Sale

June 18, 2016 (Marie Cameron’s Blog Post)

The Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club hosts the the annual Los Gatos Plein Air Art Show and Sale. Artists from all over the US are juried into this week long event where artists paint throughout the area, producing an amazing oeuvre of fresh work to be auctioned and sold at the end – the results are always impressive!Here a few shots I manage to capture from today’s sale at the Town Plaza (artists websites are linked to their names).Plein-Air-2015-Art-Docents-photo-Marie

Organized by the by the Los Gatos Morning Rotary Club, proceeds from the event are going to support Montalvo Arts Center, the Museums of Los Gatos, Lighting for Literacy, Los Gatos Music and Arts and Art Docents of Los Gatos (which was represented by this great group of women – Hey Louise and Elizabeth!).

Los-Gatos-Plein-Air-Art-Show-and-Sale-photo

See more Pictures at

Marie Cameron Studio

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Filed Under: Blog

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