Art Docents

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

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Training Update – November 2016

November 4, 2016 By Julie Ferrario

Training Update – November 2016

Training Class Update –   The class continues to show their commitment, drive and desire. Proof in the pudding is all 18 are still with us after 6 weeks.  They’re eagerly learning from observing and helping seasoned docents. Many attended their first General Meeting and the Trainee mixer.

Week three the class broke up into small groups and presented a 5 min. single print. This was their first time in front of the class.  They got their nervousness out of the way and learned a great deal from each of the print presentations.

Week four Tabitha J. gave a full 3rd grade – Abstract Art lesson and Workshop.  Learning by example and participation is key to their training.  They all enjoyed the presentation and created beautiful abstract art.

3rd-mirrorimage

Week five was our field trip to Daves Avenue to watch Marisa D. (Class of 2016) teach a 2nd grade – Color & Value lesson.  When we returned discussion centered around her presentation and how it related to the homework – AD curriculum, classroom skills, and classroom preparation.  Trainees are not only learning from seasoned docents but from the open dialogue shared about what they observe.

Week six each trainee presented in class a single print for 5 mins. They were each given a grade level, specific visual art terms and a fine art print.  Each and everyone did a fantastic job.  They introduced themselves. Told us what grade they were presenting.  Then introduced the visual art terms with detailed explanations.  From there came the fine art print with three well prepared questions. They engaged the entire class, generated additional questions from answers given and even fielded off distractions with re-directions and composure.  At the end they beautifully recapped the visual art terms and thanked the class for their participation.  

Filed Under: Blog, Training

President’s Letter: November 2016

November 4, 2016 By Julie Ferrario

We have a lot to be thankful for.  As one of the most successful art groups in the Bay, The Art Docents of Los Gatos are committed to being the very best in all that we do. Through our focus on print presentations, community outreach and local partnerships, our collaborative and coordinated approach to art appreciation enables our members to work together and apply lessons and high levels of passion in the classroom to benefit the lives of our students. And through our personalized and enthusiastic approach to teach art, we continue to set the standard and raise the bar in making high quality educational programs, in a useful and relevant format.

Observe the 7th Graders in their Art Docent led Scientific Illustrations Class below

Support our program by purchasing tickets for our December 2016 event,“The Lights of Vasona”. On December 8, Thursday, 6:30-9pm, we are combining our love of art with a magical bus tour through the “Vasona Festival of Light”. Children’s sing-a-long bus and Art Tour bus will provide a great way to enjoy the holidays and our town’s magical sparkle.

The Lights of Vasona 

click here to buy your tickets

And visit us at the downtown Farmers Market on Sunday, November 20th, from 9-noon. We will have free art prints to giveaway, and crafts for children.

These highlights are just a few of the ways we transform art appreciation, improving the quality of education. These and other events reflect the excellent work we are doing across our district, and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to set the standard for how art education can best be delivered. We hope you enjoy our Newsletter, and we welcome your thoughts about our truly special program.

Sincerely,
Michelle Abene
President
Art Docents of Los Gatos

Filed Under: Blog, President's Letters

Continuing Education Roundup: Sept-Oct

October 27, 2016 By Julie Ferrario

It’s been an exciting kick-off to the 2016 school year, and the Art Docents have hosted a variety of continuing education events where members learn, collaborate and connect.

Sketchbook Journaling
Our own Julie F. led a sketchbook journaling class in September at the Art Docent office. Junior Art Docents were included in this event, where members worked on their individual sketchbooks and watercolor masterpieces. Everybody enjoyed working together and sharing art experiences with each other.

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Beach Day
Beach Day was a big success with 13 people attending (including one trainee). We enjoyed gorgeous weather during yoga and a stroll on Twin Lakes State Beach in Santa Cruz, and the succulent gardens provided an opportunity for conversation and creativity.

beachday2 beachday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA)
A group of Art Docents visited the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in downtown San Jose to tour the Connect and Collect Art Auction Exhibition. Connect & Collect is an ICA event that provides an opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors “to view and purchase artwork by rising stars and celebrated artists whose work reflects the scope of the art world’s vibrant and eclectic styles and interests,” and includes paintings, photography, sculpture and mixed-media art from almost 200 artists.

 

Whitney Modern Art Gallery
On October 18th we were invited on a private tour of the Whitney Modern Art Gallery in downtown Los Gatos. This new gallery is owned by Suzanne Whitney Smedt and her artist husband, Gordon Smedt, who were also our featured guest speakers at the October general meeting. We were introduced to works by the seven artists represented by the gallery which included paintings, sculpture and photography.

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Pumpkin Decorating
We enjoyed a fun evening at the Art Docent office decorating pumpkins on October 20. Attendees, including Art Docents and Junior Art Docents, brought their own pumpkins and embellishments were supplied. It was a great way to get the Halloween season started!

pumpkins3 pumpkins2 pumpkins

Filed Under: Blog, Continuing Ed

Docent Spotlight: Johanna Cunniff

October 19, 2016 By Julie Ferrario

johannaDiscovering clay as a kindergartner in Toledo, OH, one could say it was love at “first feel.” I still have my first work, “Man in a Bathtub.” When I was in high school, my passion continued as I made a lot of ceramic animals and people. Scholastically, I earned my BA in Journalism with a minor in Art from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. My husband Jim and our three kids have lived in many places and have been exposed to some amazing cultures. We settled in Los Gatos in 2010 after living four years in Sydney, Australia.

I joined Art Docents of Los Gatos in 2011. Our two older kids are at University, and with our youngest at Los Gatos High School busy with school and extracurricular activities, I have been able to rekindle my creative fire. All it took was a spark being lit at a pottery class at Blossom Hill Crafts. Getting back into clay has been a challenge; however, after a while my muscle memory kicked in and I have been creating garden gnomes ever since. Each of the figures are unique and time consuming to craft, bisque, glaze and fire, but I couldn’t be happier making characters out of clay. As a Docent, I love working with the kids; especially, being in the kindergarten classroom with such creative, funny and enthusiastic students.

johanna2

Filed Under: Blog, Docent Spotlight

Docent Spotlight: Karen Harlan

October 19, 2016 By Julie Ferrario

karen

As a child of  the 70’s my biggest artistic influence came by way of the arts, crafts, motifs and colors of that era. I am drawn to bright cheerful colors and whimsical patterns. This love has lead to a huge collection of  vintage textiles and needle crafts that I work into quilts, tote bags, pillows and anything else I can think of.

I graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a BA in interior design. After graduation I immediately moved back to my hometown, Sacramento, CA. Soon after, I was hired as a production artist at Schurman Fine Papers, now known as Papyrus. I held many positions there ending with art director of  their greeting card division. I continued working with them on a freelance basis after my two children were born. I have illustrating boxed notes, holiday cards and greeting cards from my home studio (dining room table!). Keep an eye out at Papyrus and other retailers like Target for a birthday card recently designed for Papyrus which was influenced by the embroidery skills I learned as a Girl Scout.

This is my 7th year as an active Docent and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of  this wonderful organization.

Picture 1 (above) – Me with my children Will and Avery
Picture 2 – Embroidered greeting card concept for Papyrus
Picture 3 – My cat Axel lounging on a pillow made of  vintage fabrics
Picture 4 – Two of  my Papyrus greeting cards

Karen2

Filed Under: Blog, Docent Spotlight

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

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