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Let's Look at Art

Let’s Look at Art

A LLAA presentation is an exciting process of discovery for each student. All art reproductions brought into the classroom are carefully researched and chosen by a select committee of docents with a specific set of curriculum objectives in mind. Each grade level presentation is age appropriate, with works coinciding with the Content Standards for California State Schools. For example, six grade students studying ancient civilizations would be shown artworks from different ancient cultures. The artworks are also culturally representative of our diverse Bay Area population.

FREE! In your classroom

The docent makes a presentation to one class at a time. An educational field trip is brought into your classroom at no cost to you or your students.

Portfolio Presentations for Elementary School Students:

Grade K: Color Fun—Introduces colors

Grades 1-3: The Basics of Art—30 to 50-minute presentations, focusing on two or three art elements.

Grade 4: How to “Read” a Painting- Introduces the elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, and composition. Two presentations are available: one examines masterworks from a variety of cultures and time periods, the other examines California art and artists.

Grade 5: America and American Artists—Concentrates on American artists, past to present. Connects art to historical and current events.

Grade 6: Art of Ancient Civilizations—Explore an overview of the art of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and the Roman Empire.

Art in the Dark! Digital Presentations for Middle and High School Students: Exceptional introductions to various historical and contemporary artists and themes. Each presentation features a Teacher’s Resource Guide which provides: a summary of themes and objectives; citation of specific sections of the California Visual Arts and Social Studies Frameworks addressed in presentation content; a glossary of key terms introduced; suggested follow-up activities; and listing of additional resources for further student exploration.

Visual Art related Curriculum

  • Georgia O’Keeffe: Her Life and Works
  • Contemporary Sculpture and the Playful Genius of Alexander Calder
  • Jacob Lawrence and the American Experience
  • Rivera and Kahlo: Their Lives, Art and Politics
  • Pablo Picasso: Art, Love & War
  • East-West Connection: Hokusai, Hiroshige, and Van Gogh

Social Science related Curriculum

Grade 6: Ancient Civilizations

Grade 7: Renaissance Art

Grade 8: American Art: 1600-1900

Grade 9: Women in Western Art or California: History and Landscapes or Kahlo & Rivera: Their Lives, Art and Politics or Jacob Lawrence: The American Experience

Grade 10: Pablo Picasso: Art, Love & War East-West Connection: Hokusai, Hiroshige & Van Gogh

Grade 11: American Art: 1900-1940 Jacob Lawrence and the American Experience

Let’s Look at Art - What you need to know

How much does it cost?

  • It’s FREE!

How many students per presentation?

  • Up to 35 students.

How long are the presentations?

  • 30 minutes to one hour, depending on age level and class time available. Teachers must remain in the classroom during the entire presentation.

How can I sign up?

What information does the SJMA staff need from me when I register?

  • Name of contact person, with work and home phone number
  • School name, address, and phone number
  • Number of classes, number of students in each class, and respective teachers’ names and grade levels
  • For Middle and High School, Art in the Dark! presentations, we also need: teachers’ subject area, the presentation requested, and the month preferred

Generous support for the Let’s Look at Art program is provided by The Hans and Elizabeth Wolf Foundation and Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.