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
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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.
