|
The purpose of the Art Volunteer Program is to expand our children’s exposure to art through presentation of a variety of art styles and forms within the classroom setting.
Become one of the 300 Art Volunteers and inspire a young mind. Now in its 40th year the Art Volunteer Program—AVP co-sponsored by Community Financial Credit Union welcomes new volunteers to present in area classrooms, organize and update the portfolios and kits and help with administrative work related to the program. |
|
Arts Volunteer Program Resource Materials Available for 2008-09 Besides the four portfolios that are given to each school for a whole year, AVP volunteers can check out supplemental’ materials to make presentations in the classrooms. |
|
What is the Art Volunteer Program? Thank you for volunteering your time for the Art Volunteer Program offered by the Plymouth Community Arts Council (PCAC). Each month, as the art volunteer you can bring a different portfolio to your assigned classroom. Portfolios hold about 6 poster-size reproductions with a common element. The accompanying information folder tells about the artist(s) and each piece of work. The art volunteer shares information with the students about the style, medium and era of the pieces, and about the artist and their lives. No prior art knowledge is needed because all information is provided. This is a very rewarding program and the children eagerly look forward to the monthly visits. The purpose of the Art Volunteer Program is to expand our children’s exposure to art through presentation of a variety of art styles and forms within the classroom setting.
Required School Membership for Participation in AVP? All school principals have been sent invoices and letters regarding the required PCAC membership for their volunteers and teachers to participate in the program. A non-profit membership due of $125 for the school year is expected to be paid by Oct 1. Without the school membership, volunteers and teachers will not be allowed to check out the materials. Some schools that have never paid PCAC membership dues will not be able to enjoy the privilege of using the AVP resources. Please follow-up with your building coordinators and Principals regarding payment of membership dues as soon as possible to avoid delays with borrowing materials for presentations. School membership is a requirement.
Building Portfolio Assignments? Each school participating in the Art Volunteer Program this year will be assigned four portfolios to use on a rotation basis at their school among their art volunteers. No sharing between schools! Building portfolios are to be returned during the first week in June at the council.
Supplemental Portfolios? Additional ‘supplemental’ portfolios are housed at the Plymouth Community Arts Council that can be signed out by art volunteers to supplement the program throughout the year.
Sculpture Units and Culture Boxes? Also available for sign-out are sculpture units and culture boxes. Each classroom should see at least one sculpture unit a year. The culture boxes are to be used as a supplement to the program if the art volunteer chooses but in such cases, both items are due back in two days instead of three days. |
|
FACT SHEET |
|
AVP Protocols and Procedures for Use and Return of Materials. 2008-09 |
|
AVP Volunteers have been serving Plymouth—Canton School children since 1969 |
|
ART VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Serving Schools in Plymouth-Canton since 1969 |
|
Years as an AVP Volunteer: This is my second year working with Jeanne DeRose as coordinators at Hoben.
Children’s ages: My sons are 6 (in first grade) and 8 (in third grade). I also regularly present portfolios in two fifth grade classes.
Children’s School(s): Hoben Elementary School in Canton.
Occupation: I have a BFA in Studio Art and studied to be an art teacher. I taught full time for only two years, stopping to travel with my husband for his work and then went on to have children. I'm currently a stay-at-home mom and a part-time artist.
Favorite Portfolios: I truly enjoy the NASA portfolio and the Native American culture boxes. They required more prep work and reading than other portfolios. However, the work paid off– the students response to them was incredible. Of the storybook portfolios, “Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt” and “Camille and the Sunflowers” have beautifully written books that inspire thoughtful discussions with the students.
Favorite student comment/reaction/feedback.: I work with a 5th grade class that continually surprises me. When presented with the NASA portfolio, they asked me how long I'd worked for NASA. During the Native American culture box presentation, they wanted to know if I was a scientist, too! They also figured out that I am an artist, and have asked me to share my own paintings with them in February. It’s truly a compliment to be thought of as so diverse and talented.
Why you became and/or like being an “Art Mom” : Our school was looking for coordinators at the exact same time I was wondering if I had what it takes to be an art teacher again. AVP was just the opportunity to find out. As a volunteer, seeing the children’s reaction to the artists and hearing their amazing ideas is rewarding. It’s fun to be able to stir up a sense of excitement by walking into a room with a big, shiny portfolio.
Suggestions for working with teachers: There aren’t any tricks to working with teachers. They like common sense things– respect for their time and authority, notice for photo copies or supplies, and general good manners. As coordinators, Jeanne and I encourage our parents to ask teachers for their input– Which days of the week and times do they like? How much time is allowed for each presentation? Are there any portfolios on the list that fit within the curriculum for the year? The teachers all have had clear ideas about time limits, with some having no opinions on subjects, while others have dictated a portfolio list for the entire year. Teachers have given us tremendous support and advice.
One issue we sometimes work with is scheduling. Occasionally, teachers are so tied to their routine that it’s difficult for parents to “break in” and get started. For this type of teacher, one approach is to have a portfolio lined up and to say, “I have this great portfolio next week on Monet that the kids are going to love! But it’s only available Monday through Wednesday. When can I come in?” As long as it isn’t MEAP week, field trips or parties, this typically works great. Suggestions for presenting portfolios: Jeanne and I recommend people who are nervous about beginning as a AVP parent to start with a storybook portfolio. Reading a book takes pressure off of the volunteer to create a lesson plan, it introduces the artist for you, and opens the way for discussion. There are storybooks that would work for a 5th grade class or higher. Taking the time to read a book or two when you visit the Arts Council helps getting to know them and which is are appropriate for your grade level. A kindergarten teacher suggested small take home sheets to go home with children the day of the presentation. It could be a coloring sheet, a paper the children can draw on, or even a slip of paper. It might say simply, “I learned about Vincent VanGogh today. Please ask me about it!” Even two sentences can remind a child about what they learned and give the parent an opportunity to discuss it with them.
|
|
Thank you to our Sponsor: |
|
Art Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Weishaar-Wall February 2010 |
|
Art Volunteer Program |
