make your art program visible

Ceramic cupcake display.

       Making art programs visible is necessary for the growth and appreciation of the fine arts in American public schools. I’ve included a listing here of many methods I have either observed or participated in during my student teaching experience, art internship, observation hours, volunteer services, and also as a paid professional.

1. Publish a monthly or annual newsletter.
2. Develop online resources for yourself and others.
3. Request excellent books and magazine publications for the library.
4. Keep literary publications about art in a three-ring binder at the library for students to access while doing research or homework assignments.
5. Make sure exhibits are hung during other major school events that do not normally involve art curriculum. 
6. Take art students on field trips.
7. Start and maintain an art club.
8. Participate in annual art competitions.
9. Participate in your school district exhibitions.
10. Notify parents when their children’s artworks are included in art exhibits.
11. Invite resident artists to your classroom to talk with students about their interests.
12. Keep a rotating exhibit in your building at all times.
13. Offer student artwork for office spaces within your building or school district office buildings.
14. Provide to students opportunities to work in both small and large groups.
15. Assign lessons that include current events.
16. Include individual work and or students in published art magazines or newsletters.
17. Conduct fund-raisers to support the needs of your art department.
18. Allow older, responsible, art students to teach or mentor younger art students.
19. Attend and get involved in art conferences. 
20. Create and participate in interdisciplinary lessons with your fellow teachers.
21. Keep informed about new techniques used in contemporary art classrooms.
22. Encourage art students to actively participate in school spirit week.
23. Involve art students in the building and decorating of school drama and musical sets, costume design, makeup, tech crews and props.
24. Assign to senior art students the brochures and posters used to publicize school events.
25. Encourage art students to get involved with excellent charitable organizations in your area or nationally.
26. Develop annual publications for students in house that may be used in their own portfolios for college applications.
27. Include current computer technology relevant to the research and/or application of lessons/artworks.
28. Develop in art students an understanding and appreciation for their artistic heritage.
29. Encourage art students to pursue art careers in practical ways by attainable means.
30. Be well informed concerning college entrance requirements and teach your advanced students to keep goals that include these requirements should they consider these seriously in their future.
31. Encourage parents to support their talented children realistically within the limits of their cultural values or budgets.
32. Research and implement about those standards required of your fellow educators and administrators so that you might help them through your own artistic interests.
33. Keep your own interests formal but lively in the public forums and on the internet.

My CT stands by one of her many student, garden 
displays at Rockwood Elementary School. These 
paving stones and mural are installed at the front 
of her school building. She has many displays
of her students’ artwork in the halls and even 
outdoors at her school.