The Art Docents of Los Gatos present their annual art show featuring more than 2,000 pieces of student creations on display at 's cafeteria May 14-17.
The show is free and open to the public and runs 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, May 14; 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, May 15; 12 noon-4 p.m. Wednesday, May 16; and 2-4 p.m. Thursday, May 17.
According to Art Docents of Los Gatos spokeswoman Dani Hinsche, the nonprofit sponsoring organization is a robust volunteer group founded in 1973 and committed to keeping art education alive.
A public open house is scheduled 5-7:30 p.m., Monday, May14 to kick-off the show.
Participating schools include Louise Van Meter, Blossom Hill, Lexington, Daves Avenue and Fisher.
Students created the artwork with help of classroom teachers and the Art Docents through Art Docent and Artist in the Classroom workshops, said Lisa Marselli, co-chair of this year's event along with Joan Corbett.
Students ranging in age from 5 to 14 submitted a variety of different kinds of artwork, including drawings, paintings, collages and sculptures, added Marselli.
During the school year, Art Docents workshops present one hands-on art instruction to each kindergarten through fifth-grade class at the four elementary schools. Middle schoolers participate in Art Docents workshops if they take art as an elective or participate by the request of their teacher, said Hinsche.
Artist in the Classroom is run by Deborah Kotchian. She visits every class in each grade in the Los Gatos Union School District four times each year for hands-on visual art education.
kindergarten teacher Amy Despars said that Kotchian is amazing.
Kotchian teaches a variety of art projects that generate enthusiasm and confidence in students, adds Joe Bolin and his fellow fourth-grade teachers.
“The art that students submit is vibrant, fun and a great way to see first-hand the opportunities our kids have to learn through hands-on art done in the classroom,” said Marselli.
The Art Docents and Artist in the Classroom are funded in part by the
Art programs are also funded by the Los Gatos Union School District, the schools' Home and School clubs, the Town of Los Gatos and members of the community, according to Hinsche.
This year’s show will feature a special scavenger hunt to find works of art that convey specific elements and principles of art and design. Organizers hope that the activity will help to keep the show fun and engaging.
Frances Barnes, program coordinator for the Art Docents, noted that they hope to see many friends, family and Los Gatos residents at this event so the kids can show off their talent.
