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Thank You! The Belfair Art Docent Program will be made possible by a grant from Olympia Federal Savings and Loan. We thank them for their support and commitment to our community and school. |
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Contacts:
Coordinator:
Tina Effray
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Art at Belfair Elementary
In the fall of 2002, Belfair Elementary will begin an Art Docent Program, the first in the North Mason School District. The Art Docents will be parent and community volunteers, who will teach art appreciation and basic art concepts such as color, line, texture and form.
"ART IS NOT WHAT YOU SEE, BUT WHAT YOU MAKE OTHERS SEE." ~Degas
(Young Mother Sewing, Mary Cassat)
What is an Art Docent?
A docent is a teacher. The word docent is from the latin word meaning "to teach". Docents teach in various fields, usually on behalf of an organization or group. An Art Docent is a person who believes that art is an important part of education and given the opportunity teaches art appreciation.
Art Education has been shown to improve learning in many areas, especially at the elementary level. Studies have found that art curriculums:
- Heighten self-esteem and self-discipline
- Develop problem solving skills
- Promote expression and creativity
- Improve visual discrimination skills
- Create cultural and historical awareness
- Enhance ability to make aesthetic judgements
- Tend to improve academic performance
However, Belfair Elementary has no art teacher on staff and no art curriculum in place. By implementing an Art Docent Program, children will be exposed to many concepts that can only promote a more enriched learning environment.
This program is also beneficial to its volunteers. Art Docents do not have to be artistic or familiar with art history. The program uses age-appropriate fine art prints, teaching guides and hands-on activities. Art Docents will not only have the opportunity to make a difference to the children at Belfair Elementary, they will also gain valuable knowledge through teaching.
Become an Art Docent!
Volunteers do not need to be artisitic or have previous teaching experience. They must, of course, want to work with children and be a benefit to Belfair Elementary and this program. Volunteers chosen to be Art Docents will be given a two hour training session in September 2002. Quarterly Art Docent meetings will be scheduled to discuss and review the program. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ART DOCENT, PLEASE SEND US AN EMAIL IN THE BOX PROVIDED.
We are looking for Art Docents for the 2002/03 school year. Art Docents volunteer a minimum of two to four hours per month. They choose their own class (or classes) to work with, from October through May. Art Docents coordinate their own schedule with the teacher of the chosen class.
In accordance with district policy, volunteers may be required to complete background check information and/or fingerprint verification.
