Art Docents

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

  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Palette Newsletter
    • Sponsors
    • Board Members
    • Contact Us
    • Donate / Support Us
  • What We Teach
    • Our Program
    • Curriculum
    • Guest Artist Program
    • Annual Student Art Show
  • Become a Docent
    • Join Us
    • Training Overview
    • Continuing Education
  • Docent Login
    • Sign-ups & Announcements/ Directory
    • Continuing Education Events
    • Study Guides / Curriculum Chart
    • Docent Resources
    • Calendar
    • Training Program
    • New Trainee Bios
    • Organization Chart
  • Art Resources for Families
    • Art Exploration & Activities
    • Book Recommendations
    • Local Art Museums
    • Volunteer
  • Donate

Training Update – December 2017

December 7, 2017 By Julie Ferrario

Art Docent Class of 2017

“an outstanding group that will only improve on the strength of our organization” 

 


 

Ellen O led the trainees in the kindergarten foil workshop

7 trainees will graduate at the December 12th holiday party this year.  It is an outstanding group that will only improve on the strength of our organization.

Since our last update, the trainees have chosen the committees they’re interested in,  had a full walk-through of the docent office with Stefanie and chosen, prepped and most have given their final full print presentation. In addition, experienced docents also presented demonstrations for them. Stacey C demonstrated the fourth grade digital lesson on California architecture, Ros E presented the fifth grade site-specific art installation lesson, Ellen O led the trainees in the kindergarten foil workshop and Michelle A will demonstrate the Spanish art history lesson at the last class of the training.

Four of the trainees have completed their full print presentations and were evaluated using a form developed last year. All three trainers gave a thorough critique for them to use to further improve and prepare for their actual classroom presentations in January.  The final three trainees will present and be similarly evaluated at the last session.

​Thank you to all the docents that assisted in our training this year, each of you enhanced the program greatly. We are so grateful for the continued generosity of our members!
​
-2017-2018 Training Committee
Traci M, Julie H and Janice J

Filed Under: Blog, Training

Training Update – November 2017

November 8, 2017 By Julie Ferrario

Our Trainers Hard at Work!

Thank you Traci, Julie and Janice

Training Update – November 2017

The small but competent class of 7 continues to develop their knowledge and skills towards becoming our newest art docents!  They have been observing active docents in the classroom and helping with workshops.  Most of them attended our first general meeting and our trainee mixer at Julie H.’s home.

They have been divided into small groups and gave two 5 minute mini print presentations to practice their skills.  The trainees also participated in the full 3rd Grade Abstract Art Lesson and Workshop led by Michelle K. in their 4th week of class.  It was beneficial to learn through participation and they each created their own beautiful piece of art.

The following week we all ventured to Daves Avenue to observe a 2nd grade Color & Value Lesson taught by the experienced docent Mary L.  After returning to  class, we had discussion about this and other observations and how it related to their homework on topics of curriculum, classroom skills and preparation.

Week 6 was the opportunity for each of the trainees to present a 5 minute single print on their own.  We assigned them each one print, one grade level and a few of the visual art terms to incorporate into their quick presentation.  We evaluated them based on our expectations that they each introduce themselves, present their art terms clearly and grade appropriately, ask questions, repeat answers, formulate more discussion from the answers, summarize their terms/lesson, thanking the class and ending with a positive comment.

​All 7 trainees successfully completed this task and we look forward to seeing their skills as they prepare for the full print presentations they will be doing the final weeks of training.

 

Filed Under: Blog, Training

Training Update – October 2017

October 5, 2017 By Julie Ferrario

Training Update – October 2017

 

 

Although the low turnout for the Open House was worrisome,  the Executive Board members and other docents pulled together to recruit a few more trainees for this year’s training class.  We have a small but talented group of 7 new trainees as of week 2.  We’ve left the door open for others to join until week 3, so maybe we will have a few more.

Week one was a successful kickoff to the training classes where we focused on the ins and outs of our organization, curriculum and training.  We are continuing to focus on using our online and digital tools for sign ups and learning videos this year.  The next month the trainees will begin giving group and individual print presentations, as well as observing and assisting active docents in the classroom.  Be sure to check out their bios and learn more about our newest members in the upcoming October Palette newsletter.

Traci M, Julie H. and Janice J

Art Docent Trainers 2017

Filed Under: Blog, Training

Training Update – December 2016

December 2, 2016 By Julie Ferrario

xmas-trainingAll 18 trainees are on point to graduate.  They have been working hard.
This class has observed more print presentations
and helped with more workshops than any other class.
This may also be the first class that has stayed together from start to finish.

Week Seven 
The Trainees came to class prepared with questions regarding
their homework assignment that introduced them to the
Committee Description & Selection form.
Executive board members visited expressing the organization’s needs,
and provided in depth descriptions of specific jobs.
They also shared the fulfillment received from volunteering
and being a part of an exciting, every growing organization.  

After break docent Stacey C taught the California Architecture
a 4th grade, January lesson, digital format.
Her presentation inspired a trainee to learn the digital format
for their final full print presentation.

Week Eight, Nine and Ten
Every minute of class time during the last three weeks are filled with K – 5th grade full print presentation.
This year a Full Print Evaluation Form was created. Each trainee receives a thorough critique from all three trainers.
This will not only make them aware of their strengths but also areas that may need improvement.  

Celebrations – The graduation class of 2016 will attend a Thank You Luncheon after their last class.
The luncheon is hosted by the trainers to show their appreciation to the trainees for their commitment, drive and desire.
They have truly been a remarkable class.  

img_2995

img_2990

img_2992

img_2986

img_2985

The entire docent organization will have the opportunity to
congratulate our newest members at the

Graduation/Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, December 13th.
They are very excited to meet all of you.

Special Thanks!
———
The trainers want to thank
all the docents who helped us this year
with the training class.
We could not have done it without you.
Not once were we denied a request for help.
Our success, the trainees success would not have been possible
without our many hands working together.
Thank you so very much.
Your kindness was greatly appreciated.
Mary, Sue and Traci

xmas-training

Filed Under: Blog, Training

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

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »

Hours & Info

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

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
Copyright © 2025 ·Outreach Pro - Genesis Framework by StudioPress - WordPress - Log in