Art Docents

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

President’s Letter – November 2017

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November Art Challenge!

Our First Grade lesson for November includes this famous painting, “Freedom from Want”, by Norman Rockwell.  In our lesson we talk about Genre Paintings, Contrast and Emphasis.

  • Contrast: art experts refer to the arrangement of opposite elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece so as to create visual interest, excitement and drama.
  • Emphasis: an area or object within the artwork that draws attention and becomes a focal point.
  • Genre: Art depicting scenes of everyday life.

“Freedom from Want”

Artist: Norman Rockwell

(Saturday Evening Post Cover, 1943)
(oil on canvas, 46 x 36 in.)

Freedom from Want is considered one of Rockwell’s finest works. Of the four paintings in the Four Freedoms,
it is the one most often seen in art books with critical review and commentary.
Although all were intended to promote patriotism in a time of war,
Freedom from Want became a symbol of “family togetherness, peace, and plenty.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_from_Want_(painting)

 

 

As I think of the Art Docents and also how this Fall has been a hard one with so many natural disasters as well as extremely disturbing violence happening around the world….I started to think about November and taking the time to be thankful for all the good in our lives.

  • Contrast:  Looking at the extremes of what has been happening in our world and comparing it to the blessings we have in our lives.
  • Emphasis:  I want to emphasize the kind deeds that so many people have done in response to tragedies.
  • Genre:  What art can you find in your everyday life that depicts something you can be thankful for – lets emphasize the positive you experience.

For example….the Art Docents Help Santa Rosa

A group of Los Gatos volunteers including a number of Art Docents came together quickly at House of Hope to make “Kid Kits”
to help those in need after the devastating wild fires in Santa Rosa.  A “Kid Kit” is a decorated bag that contains a
meal: a drink, a cup-o-noodles, tuna, crackers, cookies, fruit cup and a granola bar.  The goal was to collect enough supplies and get enough help to make 350 kits.
Within about 24 hours the team had assembled 479 Kid Kits for the people of Santa Rosa. Volunteers drove to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and delivered everything.
The REFB is Sonoma County’s largest hunger-relief organization. The director said that they have been averaging 400 families a day in their food distribution lines so they need a lot of help.
If you would like to donate to the Redwood Empire Food Bank, please go to their website at http://refb.org . Its a great way to help the people of Santa Rosa.
Thank you to all Art Docents who participated. Nice job!

Thank you to Bonnie W., an Art Docent Board of Director,

for inspiring us to help and taking the time to make this happen!


So here is my November Art Challenge!

Take a photo inspired by Norman Rockwell’s “Freedom From Want” Genre Painting.
Emphasize what you are thankful for!  Send your photos to artdocents@me.com and we will share them with you all.

Julie Ferrario

President of the Art Docents of Los Gatos

Continuing Ed Round Up: Fall 2017

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The Art Docents have had a fun filled start to the 2017 school year with range of fun Continuing Education events and activities for members to socialize, create and learn more about art.  We’ve had great turnouts and hope to see more of you in the future.  Remember members, keep checking the website for updated info and sign ups!

SFMOMA: Secret Sketchers
In September, one of our very own Art Docents, Jennifer Kretschmer, showed her iPad drawings at the SFMOMA.  The event entitled “The Secret Sketchers” displayed the work of a group of active sketchers from the Bay Area.  Through 20 seconds of 20 slides, each presenter fostered deeper thoughts and conversations about the opportunities we may miss in such a fast-moving metropolitan area.  Luckily, for those of us who missed the show, she will show us her presentation at the November General Meeting.

 

The Art Circle
The Art Art Docents are experimenting with a new on-going event this year called “The Art Circle”.  It’s a gathering of Docents focused on discussing art while working on our own personal creative projects within a supportive group setting.  Current projects include watercolor, ink drawing, painting, crocheting & collage.  We hope that more members join us in the future … you don’t have to be an formal artist, you just need to be willing to explore the creativity inside you!

 

 

San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
A group of Art Docents enjoyed a curator lead tour of the 37th Connect and Collect Art Auction Exhibition. This annual event featured more than 100 pieces by local, national and international artists.  The Docents were treated to both an in depth examination on the processes and visions of the artists as well as insights of what goes into curating a exhibit of multiple artists.  We ended the excursion with lunch, coffee and discussions at the San Jose SoFa Market.

 

Film Night:  Loving Vincent
A group of Docents enjoyed an evening out in Palo Alto to view a film about the life of Vincent van Gogh entitled “Loving Vincent”.  In a story depicted in oil painted animation, a young man comes to the last hometown of painter Vincent van Gogh to deliver the troubled artist’s final letter and ends up investigating his final days there.  For a view of what n animated “painted movie”  looks like: Loving Vincent Movie Trailer.  For more info on how the film was created: Painting Animation Work Stations.

 

 

Santa Cruz Beach Day
A fun day was had by all who attended Michelle Abene’s Beach Day.  After an initial gathering and introductions, the large group headed down the beach for yoga and meditation lead by Roxana Kost.  After a wonderful rejuvenating session, ending with a laughing circle in the surf, the group congregated back at the Beach House.  A mini Soul Collage class was taught by Jessica Richter.  Docents intuitively explored their personalities through the medium of collage and paired off to journal their results.  We all then enjoyed a casual lunch together before carpooling back to Los Gatos.  This is turning into a reoccurring Docent event that is not to be missed.  Be sure to join us next time!

 

 

Training Update – November 2017

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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.

 

President’s Letter – October 2017

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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

Training Update – October 2017

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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

Hours & Info

17000 Roberts Rd
Los Gatos, CA 95032
1-408-335-2366
coordinator@artdocents.com
8:30 am - 3:00 pm

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