Art Docent News and Projects
Creativity is thriving at Briarcrest! Our Art Docent program brings hands-on art experiences to every classroom, led by dedicated volunteers. Check here for updates on current projects, upcoming workshops, and ways to get involved in inspiring young artists across our school.
What is the Art Docent Program?
If you saw the amazing mural at the 2024 glow in the dark dance, the paw prints on the fence out front, or the dragon in the library that was us! The art docent program is a volunteer-run art enrichment program. Here at Briarcrest we have an Art Docent Lead, who helps coordinate all the art docent projects for that school year. We always have a goal to find 2-3 adult volunteers for each class and we love it when class parents or extended family fill this role. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in supporting your contribution would be to visit your student’s classroom and run the lesson or help support the other classroom volunteer who is running the lesson.
We typically provide 3 - 4 school wide projects spread out over the school year. The subjects range from printmaking, watercolor, puppetry, sculpting with cardboard, legos and much more. All supplies and materials are provided by our school PTA. All you need to provide is your time. Your time commitment for the year is probably around 6-8 hours spread over the entire school year.
Timing is very flexible. We’ve been providing all training materials digitally so you can review the project training at the time that works best for your schedule. For your classroom visits you will be able to coordinate with your class room teacher (and the other volunteers) to find the time that works best for your schedule.
If you have more questions or are interesting in volunteering email, bcartdocent@briarcrestpta.org
Project 2: Nature Art (January 13 – February 27)
During our mini art lesson students will be introduced to the unique artwork of Christopher Marley. As part of our lesson we will spend time discussing patterns and the impact they can have on your work. Then it's our turn to put our pattern making skills to the test! Students will use bug shaped stencils to create a unique pattern and spend the remainder of their time adding details to their bugs and using watercolor to add color to their creation!
If you loved creating a pattern with our bug stencils you’re going to want this take home art kit. With this kit you’ll be able to create 6 pieces of bug art just like the ones you made in class. $6.00 per kit.
Kits Include:
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6 pieces of 9x12 mixed media paper
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3 pre-drawn designs & 3 blank pieces of paper
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1 permanent marker
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1 8 color crayola watercolor set
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3 cardboard bug stencils
Complete an online order or return an order form with cash or check to Briarcrest by Friday, April 3rd. Scholarship funding available.
All proceeds go to the Art Docent Program and help fund future art projects. Kits will be distributed the week of April 13th.
Volunteer Tasks & Prep Work
We have several ways volunteers can help prepare materials for upcoming lessons:
1. Pre‑Cut Bug Shapes (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)
To support our youngest artists, we need pre‑cut pieces for their project. Starting Monday, pre‑printed sheets will be available in the Art Docent area for volunteers to take home, cut, and return. Additional instructions will be included in the training video.
2. Lego Sorting
For a future project, we’re organizing our Lego supplies. Labeled bins are available in the Art Docent area—volunteers are welcome to grab a box of unsorted Legos and sort them into the appropriate containers.
3. Collecting Recycled Materials
For Project 3, we are exploring printmaking using recycled items. If you’re able to begin collecting materials, we may need:
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Clean bottle caps (various sizes)
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Uncoated cardboard boxes (shipping boxes preferred; panels at least 6" wide)
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Toilet paper rolls
A collection zone will be set up in the Art Docent area.
Upcoming Project Timeline
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Project 2: Nature Art — January 13 – February 27
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Project 3: Recycled Materials — March 2 – April 17
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Project 4: Legos — April 27 – Last Day of School
Thank you to all our volunteers for your time, creativity, and support. We can’t wait to see what our students create this year!
Why Join the Art Docent Program?
I’ll list a few reasons why I love this program so much
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There are so many added bonuses to letting your kids do art! Exposure to the arts will help your students develop their fine motor skills, increase their ability to problem solve, build their confidence, and so much more.
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It’s an opportunity to volunteer in your kids' class. We’ve found those opportunities become fewer and further between as your kids get older so this is a great opportunity to help in those older grades.
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While the art docents program's purpose is art enrichment. We like to think of it as an opportunity for us to give back to the teachers. The lessons you provide help to give them a short break. Because art is our focus we are also able to provide projects and materials students typically don’t see in their classroom.
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We see this program as looking out for those kids who struggle in school but amazingly creative. The brief interaction you give them with art may be the highlight of their year.
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When I took over this program our school librarian asked “doesn’t it feel great to be the most popular person in school.” I wasn’t really sure what she meant by that but I figured it out pretty quickly. We have a cart that we use to transport our supplies to and from class, the kids' eyes light up when they see that cart. When you’re pushing that cart you most certainly are the most popular volunteer in school.
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Most importantly, we hope that the opportunities and exposure we’re giving these kids helps them to see that if art is where their passions are, there is viability in that dream.
