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How does volunteering for the Art Docents compare to other volunteer experiences you’ve had?
Bringing art to the children of the Los Gatos Union School District
We are pleased to announce that we have confirmed the Guest Artists who will be presenting to the students of LGUSD this year — Scape Martinez and Holly Van Hart. Both offer unique insights into the world of art, and are excited to be part of our annual program. Below is some more information about each artist.
Guest Artist for FISHER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Scape Martinez
http://www.scapemartinez.com/
Artist Bio:
SCAPE Martinez is an accomplished multidisciplinary artist and writer who has been involved in graffiti art since the 1980’s. Since then he has pushed the boundaries of graffiti and street art, bringing this urban style into fine art, public art, and the educational arena.
Scape’s fine art paintings combine elements of graffiti art and abstract expressionism to create large scale, rhythmic, and expressive compositions that transcend mere technique. Scape Martinez is also an advocate for the arts, frequently doing graffiti orientated workshops and lectures for both teenagers and fellow artists and educators interested in understanding graffiti as an art form. Over the years, his passion for art has transcended beyond walls and canvas to include: public art, writing, and art education.
… Scape Martinez is an advocate for art education for young adults, especially in the areas of self exploration and creativity. He works with kids of all backgrounds to help them explore their own language through Graffiti Art. He executes workshops and presents speaking engagements to young adults and professionals alike, sharing his unique perspective on graffiti art and creativity. His insightful, and thought-provoking lectures inform, inspire, and are equally uplifting and motivating.
Guest Artist recommended for LGUSD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Holly Van Hart
http://hollyvanhart.com/
Artist Bio:
I paint abstract nature paintings that surprise us with unusual colors and textures, and ignite new excitement about a particular slice of nature.
I’m absorbed and inspired by the idea of the limitless opportunities we have in our lives. This theme runs through my work.
Silicon Valley, in northern California, is the place I call home. Silicon Valley has a really cool culture of creativity and an ‘anything is possible’ vibe.I was raised in New York City by my artist Mom and police officer Dad, and have always loved art. As a girl I painted and did ceramics, crocheting, and calligraphy. Later, while working in high tech, I pursued painting passionately as a hobby – taking many classes, reading hundreds of books, forming an art critique group, and painting every spare minute.
My work is now widely exhibited, and has won awards such as Grand Prize at the California Statewide Painting Competition, Award of Merit at the California Fine Art Competition, and Best of Houzz service award. It has been featured in the Huffington Post, San Jose Mercury News, Examiner.com, Saratoga News, Santa Clara Weekly, KTYM Los Angeles Live Radio, and Silicon Valley ‘Talk Art’ TV.
More than 20 people–including docents, family and friends–walked behind the Art Docent banner in the Los Gatos Children’s Parade on Dec. 3, 2016. Waving inflated crayons and hand-made flags, participants were greeted by thousands of onlookers as they walked through Los Gatos. The chilly morning was tempered by hot chocolate and warm company. In all, it was a great opportunity to come together and showcase the Art Docent’s commitment to our community.
This year, the Art Docents paraded behind the Los Gatos Education Foundation (LGEF), which is one of the generous funders of our programs. We have long enjoyed a mutually-beneficial relationship with LGEF in providing students in Los Gatos with art instruction. Stay tuned for our collaborative spring soirée with LGEF and the RJ Fisher Middle school music department: Chocolate, Art and Music to be held on April 27, 2017.
Its been fun to see how student’s have made their own art work on the bookmarks we passed out this year.
They are a great way for the students to be reminded of the
Elements of Art and Principles of Design that we teach.
Above is one picture we received of a student’s artwork.
Do you have any bookmark pictures to share?
Time flew in 2016 and the new year is here. My wish for you this year: may you never stop your curiosities. May you relish the liberty of dabbling in what excites you, what fascinates you, and what you love. And through 2016, and onto 2017 may the Art Docents continue to unravel the possibilities and endless opportunities for the children of Los Gatos to reach their full artistic potential.
In the classroom, time flies fast where the children get the thrill of developing a sense and appreciation for great works of art. They acquire knowledge in a joyful way of reaching beyond their comfort zone. May we all keep on learning, stretching our minds and challenging our imagination! Here are our awe inspiring community December events:
Art Docent Holiday Luncheon on December 13
Lights of Vasona Holiday bus ride on December 8
Los Gatos Children’s Holiday Parade on December 3
Wishing you all the best for 2017! Thank YOU!
Happy Holidays!
Michelle Abene
President, Art Docents of Los Gatos