CHATSWORTH ART APPRECIATION

WHAT IS ART APPRECIATION…

Art Appreciation is a parent-run program that brings children an enriching, hands-on art experience.  Twice a year, parent volunteers have the unique opportunity to introduce an artist or artistic theme to the students and conduct an art project in the classroom.  It is a fun, easy way to interact with your child’s class.

WHERE TO BEGIN…

 Attend Art Appreciation training on Thursday, October 8^th 2009 at 9.30am or 7.30pm in the Winnie-the-Pooh lunchroom

• Check the list of Art Parents to see who else has signed up.  (The list is in the cubby next to the office or on web at: mamkschools.org; click on Chatsworth, then PTA, then Art Appreciation.)

• Contact the other Art Parents from your child’s class.

• Work with your child’s teacher to schedule a mutually agreed upon date for Art Appreciation.

• Sign up on the sheet posted on the art cabinet.  Make sure to include the class, day and time.

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT ART

• The main objective during the session is to engage the children’s interest and help them carefully look at and respond to the artwork being presented.

• The presentation/discussion should be no more than 20 minutes (and possibly less for the younger grades) so that there is enough time for the art project.

• Tailor the presentation to meet the needs of each class/grade.

• Define words that the children may not understand.

• Ask open-ended questions (many of the questions will be on the back of the posters of the artwork).

  -Why do you think the artist created the work?

  -How does the piece make you feel?  What does it make you think?

  -How is color used?

  -Is there anything familiar in the piece?

  And remember there are no wrong answers!

• It is not necessary to share with the class all of the information provided at the training session.The write-up is intended as background so that you can become familiar with the artist.  Present the facts that you think will be relevant to each class.

• Familiarize yourself with the artwork before presenting it to the class so that you will have already answered your own questions about it and can better guide the class in formulating their own opinions. Color versions of the write-up with images are available on the PTA website.

Feel free to contact us with any questions! 

Your Art Committee Chairs:  

Kirsty Scott (kirstyscott@optonline.net); Abigail Showers (showers1@optonline.net), Jenny Webb, Petra Pzerovnik, Risa Crandall and Lynne Murphy-Rivera.