Artist Spotlight: Ofelia Esparza
As you might know, we’re spotlighting several of the artists we’ve added to our new curriculum here on the blog (see more on how we’ve updated and diversified here). And we wanted to learn even more about Ofelia Esparza after featuring her 2018 artwork, Altar to el Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles (the […]
Artist Spotlight: Meet Edmonia Lewis
We wanted to spotlight several of the new artists we’ve added to our curriculum (see more on how we’ve updated and diversified here). And, after linking to an article about her on our Facebook page earlier this year, we wanted to start with Edmonia Lewis, one of the first commercially-successful African-American sculptors. Though parts of […]
We’ve Expanded and Diversified!
We here at the Art Docent Program wanted to let you know about some exciting new changes we’re making. Just in time for the new school year, we are expanding and diversifying our Program with several new units and artists that will bring important subjects, topics, and voices to the students. With the help of […]
Smithsonian Acquires Grandma Moses Artwork
Earlier this year, the Smithsonian American Art Museum acquired three works of art by Anna Mary Robertson, better known as Grandma Moses. These acquisitions are proving to be more than popular pieces: they’re a big step forward in adding more work by women and self-taught artists to the Smithsonian’s permanent collections. Grandma Moses, who lived […]
Dog Days of Summer: 5 Paintings Featuring Pups!
What are the dog days of summer? Generally speaking, they’re the hottest days of the season. But here at the Art Docent Program, we’re taking that phrase to a whole new level today, and choosing to celebrate a few paintings featuring humans’ best friends! We love pets, so much so that we’ve included a first-grade […]
Art, Neuroscience, and Evidence-Based Design
We all know that your environment can impact your mood, development, and more. But did you know that some spaces are specifically designed to positively impact the people within them? That’s the idea behind evidence-based design, which we’re going to (briefly) look at as far as it relates to art and neuroscience in this post. […]
Photographs Provide Continual Artistic Inspiration, Especially at the New York Public Library
A picture is worth a thousand words, but it may mean even more to an artist. Photographs have long held inspiration for artists of all kinds, as the New York Public Library knows full well. Their renowned Picture Collection has served as a source of inspiration for artists and more since its inception. Officially founded […]
Kids’ Art Reads: Susan Goldman Rubin Writes Fine Art Books for Kids
If you haven’t heard of Susan Goldman Rubin, it’s about time you did. Or perhaps you’ve picked up one of her books and not even realized it: with over 27 books in print, author Susan Goldman Rubin is making fine art and history accessible to children. Born and raised in the Bronx, Susan Goldman Rubin […]
Sacramento, Get Ready for Wide Open Walls 2018!
Get ready, Sacramento: as of next month, Wide Open Walls is back! The wildly-popular Wide Open Walls Mural Festival will be held at locations throughout Sacramento starting on August 9th and running through 19th, 2018. That’s ten whole days of murals from over 40 acclaimed artists, ranging from local artists to international muralists, who will […]
Exploring Color in Matisse’s Artwork
With his vivid hues and bold brushstrokes, Henri Matisse’s artwork seems especially enjoyable in the summer. Not that any artist’s work can be nailed down to one season, but it’s something about bright colors in particular that can bring to mind summer days. Throughout his career, Matisse never shied away from color and form: one […]