Kickstarter

Numerous studies say “Schoolchildren exposed to the arts do a better job at mastering reading, writing and math than those who focus solely on academics" – Yet art in school is declining due to budget cuts and requirements leading to "teaching to the test". What schools need is a low-cost way to deliver high-quality creative experiences...

The Art Docent Program provides a sequential, interactive education in art history and artistic skills for K-6 grade children.

Initially developed in 1984 by art educator and author Barbara Herberholz (our Mom), the Art Docent Program™ has been periodically updated. It has a proven track record of over 25 years in hundreds of schools using posters of famous works of art.

Now for the first time, an online version is available!

The art posters were large, came in over 50 portfolio cases, cost a small fortune, and over years they took a beating in the classroom. 

Last year, we created the digital delivery system so any classroom with a projector can show the artwork. The program has been tested in 13 schools this year, and we're ready now to double the content and deliver the program more widely than ever before.

What we will do with your help... 

Our Kickstarter project's $60,000 minimum will cover the cost of doubling the number of lessons from 28 to 56, managing the image licenses and fine-tuning the registration system to handle more users. This will create a full school year of content, along with the guidance for schools to implement the program. It will be available in August, ready for the new school year.

The beta program was a success, and now it's time for Art Docent Program 2.0. 

The Challenge:

Many schools in recent years have had budget cuts and mandates to 'teach to the test' which has reduced creative programs in schools. Art Docent Program teaches parent volunteers to teach the program, cutting costs and increasing participation. By backing our digital program, and designating the school to receive the program, you're voting for creativity in your child's school. By contacting other parents, local media, and the school staff before the Kickstarter deadline, you can make it happen for your kids.

*Note: we can only contact the school and make them aware that there is financial support for the program through Kickstarter's backers. If you want the program for a specific school, we ask that you help make it happen!

How does the program work?

A Docent is a volunteer who leads tours in an art museum. In the Art Docent Program™, parents and teachers show digital images of works of art to elementary classrooms and conduct discussions called Gallery Visits, which are then followed by Studio Lessons. 

In our program, Docents volunteer to guide the children through the Gallery Visits and Studio Lessons. All the information they need is in the online Docent Guide. No prior art background is needed. A Head Docent, who might be a teacher or parent experienced in working with children's art projects provides support and coordination of the docents. They get their own guide, as well as the support of our staff to help them manage the program.

The Gallery Visit is an interactive 20-45 minute discussion about the artworks and artists. Rather than showing one artwork per lesson, we take a “museum approach” where students view several artworks. These visits are based on thematic groupings and allow students to observe differences and similarities among six artworks at a time. Students get to participate in and contribute to the discussion. By learning how to observe, analyze, interpret and respond to the artworks, the students are developing skills that will carry over when they go to art museums.

The Studio Lesson allows students to develop their own artistic skills using a wide variety of media and techniques: painting, collage, oil pastels, print making, cut paper, etc. Our Program does not have children imitate an artist’s work; rather, students express their creative ideas based on the theme of the Gallery Visit. Each lesson follows the Gallery Visit’s theme and includes how-to steps, motivation, and a list of materials needed.

You can read more here.  View a sample lesson here.

What People are Saying

“The Art Docent Program has been in the San Juan Unified School District for over 25 years and has educated thousands of students from K-6 in art history” -Heather Taft, Art Docent Program Coordinator for San Juan Unified School District and Art Docent since 1988.

"With the new digital program, we look forward to greater opportunities to utilize the Art Docent Program in a new variety of instructional settings. The power of technology will enhance and further "bring to life" the beauty and treasure of art for students. It is with enthusiasm that I recommend this fine program to schools and districts, and look forward to its implementation throughout the Rocklin Unified School K-6 classes." - Linda Rooney, Deputy Superintendent for Rocklin Unified School District: Rocklin, California

“The Art Docent Program replaces what has been missing in California Schools: Art. We have brought it back through this program.” - Rebecca Jeffries, Art Docent Program Coordinator The Roseville City School District

The Trend is Finally Shifting...

In April of this year, the White House announced "Turnaround Arts" which is a two year program for eight schools with low achievement. In California, state officials have formed Create CA, a statewide initiative they hope will restore art in schools. These efforts are up against budget-driven cost cutting. But with your help, The Art Docent Program will be available online, ready to be staffed with volunteers for schools ready to make a change. 

Our Kickstarter project is designed to complete the online program. But our Rewards include credit towards getting The Art Docent Program into your school. There is no better way to inspire teachers and administrators to get started than to say "I'm helping make it happen, because I care." If you can get others in your school to join you, the program cost could be covered completely, and we'll work with you to make it happen for your school.

We think it's time to reach hundreds, even thousands of schools across America, and Kickstarter is our first step... Join us!