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 […]
7 Artistic National Treasures to Celebrate This 4th of July
In the spirit of the holiday this week, we’re celebrating some of our national treasures. . .that is, national artistic treasures! We’ve gone through our curriculum and have narrowed down seven iconic artworks created by American artists featured in our program to celebrate this July 4th. We’ve also included the museums in which they’re located, in […]
This Larger-Than-Life Balloon Art by Huge is a Fun Optical Illusion
It’s graduation season, which means celebrations are in order. However, any well-picked graduation balloons pale in comparison to the gigantic pieces created by street artist Huge. At first blush, Huge’s spray paintings don’t even look like paint. They’re so lifelike that they seem to be large balloons floating at odd angles on the wall. It’s […]