1. “Art nurtures the brain
“Art nurtures the brain. Whether made from clay, paint, wood, or a modern-day toy.” “Art makes better humans, art is necessary in understanding the world and art makes people happy. Undeniably, art is not optional.” Nathan Sawaya, famed Lego artist

2. I think it would be fun to have this on the screen for people to look at when they come in. We can also have a few copies on the table since it may be hard to read. It’s a great visual!

3. Docent Training September 2016

4. Agenda
8:40 – 9 am Getting to Know You 9 – 9:45 am Getting to Know ArtSmart 9:45 am Question and Answer

5. What is ArtSmart?
ArtSmart is a PTSA-sponsored, parent run art program that offers all students a monthly art experience.  The program introduces students to a variety of materials, ideas, and techniques and encourages each student to discover his/her own unique abilities and talents. 
Everyone is an artist! Value is placed on process over outcome.

6. Docents – That’s You! ArtSmart is run by volunteer docents.
A lead docent coordinates the team, works with the teacher, and teaches the lesson.
Support docents assist students
and help with set-up and clean up.
Note that it is OK to share the lead role! Emphasize that the class is run by a team of volunteers and that the teacher will be there. Also mention the 15 minutes
for set-up and clean-up in addition to the 1 hour class.

7. ALL VOLUNTEERS must be approved by the LWSD. http://www. lwsd

8. Summary Overview
Lead docent and teacher set time and reserve Art Room.
Lead coordinates volunteers, prepares for lesson.
Volunteer team conducts lesson; students create amazing art.
Art gets hung on bulletin board.

9. Details: Part 1
Read the “Welcome and How To Manual” on the ArtSmart home page to learn how to prepare, where to find supplies, and how to discuss art work with students.
Emphasize that most everything they need to know is here! This PP will also be added as a reference.

10. Details: Part 2 One week before the scheduled session…
teacher and volunteers to confirm date and availability
Ask teacher to include a blurb in the weekly newsletter to parents (PR for ArtSmart)
Visit the Art Room to find materials and complete needed prep work
Create the project yourself!
Mention messy clothes! This is a nice place to quickly open the cabinets to highlight the prints, color wheel, location of paints, paper, etc.
Regarding prep: Some projects require geometric shapes, for example. If there are not enough, some need to be cut.

11. Details: Game Day! HAVE FUN! Arrive early to prepare the room
Have your presentation plan in place
Use talking points in lesson plan
Use a provided PowerPoint
Read a related short story from the library
HAVE FUN!
Room prep: Note covering tables, using foil in paint trays, moving tables or chairs
Can highlight location of books, if this hasn’t already been done.

12. Project Open House
See projects up close, ask questions of experienced docents, explore the Art Room, try out technology, and learn time saving tips October 5, 8:45-10:45 am Art Room

13. Details: Technology To use the Overhead Projector…
Press Red Power button on black remote to turn on ceiling projector.
Press Control/Alt/Delete on keyboard to switch user.
Log-in
At the conclusion of this segment, I would recommend having a volunteer try it out. Point out that if the username or PW changes, that information will be on the
Bulletin board. Also, Jen noted that you can plug in your laptop. Be sure to demonstrate this!

14. Accessing Lessons
Each docent will receive a folder which will include:
Deep Space Sparkle lessons on CD
Summary of lessons and materials used for that particular grade
Additional lessons are available online
and you are welcome to create your
own.
Mention the switch from a “great artist” focus to skills/techniques focus. Note also that materials are for school use only, per license, and that CD and folder will need to be returned at the end of the year.

15. Display and Storage of Projects
Display completed work on assigned bulletin board
Each board must have teacher name, project name and description, student names
Keep artwork in classroom until the end of the year. Best work = Art Night
Send home a portfolio in June
Would be nice to have examples of name tags – from the simplest (tags in the bulletin board box in the cabinet) to some of the fancier ones (easels, photos, etc.)
Can also show a portfolio, if time allows. Or maybe have one on display for review after we are done. Mention that projects can be saved or sent home. Art Night in June.
Point out that some boards are already decorated, others will need to be prepared. Can suggest ideas here or afterwards. The board outside the art room
Gives one idea.

16. Tips for Success Be prepared, try the project first, follow the steps
Have a doubt, ask us!
Have a back-up project for students who finish early
Anticipate messes
Be flexible and have fun! It’s ART!
Back up projects: pencil sharpening, drawing, clean up of supplies, etc. If all else fails, you can use any materials in the art room to color, paint, etc.
I removed the slide with notes regarding supplies and limited space on drying racks. I think it could be mentioned here that thoughtful use of materials
Is critical (avoid wasted paint, think about the paper needed, use foam brushes for glue – not paint brushes). In the interest of time, that will have to be
Quickly mentioned and then reviewed in a follow up .

17. Clay Training: October 13, 8:45-10 am
Clay Program
Clay lessons on website
Kindergarten – air dry clay; grades 1-5 – kiln fired projects
ALL projects span 2 months. K-3 in fall and winter; 4-5 in spring
Docents must sign up for first session
Clay Training: October 13, 8:45-10 am
EXCEPTION: 4th grade projects require 3 months.
Note that there will be a training for grades 4-5 in the new year
Point out location of sign up sheet. Mention location of the clay in kiln room.

18. SAFETY FIRST Students are NEVER allowed in the Kiln Room.
Do not store items near the kiln.

19. Reflections “What’s Your Story?” State-wide cultural arts competition
A single entry from all six categories is allowed by each student:
Choreography/Dance
Film/Video
Literature
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts
For details about the program, visit the Washington State PTSA Reflections page.
Artwork due October 30

20. THANK YOU for coming! It’s going to be a great year!