The Art in the Schools (AIS) program was established in 1976 by Greater Reston Arts Center, to supplement and support local children’s art experience in school. The program is based on in-class presentations of art historical subjects, followed by coordinating art projects. In 1974, a Fairfax County art resource teacher saw each child only once in an entire calendar year.

Today, the art resource teachers in Fairfax County schools have significantly increased and the elementary child in Fairfax County will receive some level of art instruction every two to three weeks, although in some schools it may be less. AIS continues to be a vital and an integral means of promoting an art experience and enrichment program on an elementary school level.

The Program consists of 65 art portfolios, a library of over 95 videos, a slide library, and resource materials on artists and art activities. The 65 art appreciation portfolios contain reproductions of artwork, study questions, and follow-up activities and vocabulary. Each portfolio has been carefully formulated to provide a cultural lesson in an art historical context. The content and subject matter of each portfolio is firmly tied to the current visual arts curricula in Fairfax County. In addition, the program can be used as a supplement for interdisciplinary teaching. The portfolios focus on a particular artist, style of art, or a theme of art. Each portfolio contains the following:

• A minimum of six to eight large laminated reproductions
• Three to four comparative teaching boards
• Written biographical information on the artist, subject matter, or theme
• Related art and writing activities (Appropriate for grades K-6)
• A highlights page regarding the most important aspects of the portfolio

How is the program run?

What makes this program so unique and worthwhile is that it is run entirely on a volunteer basis by over 500 individuals. These volunteers, or docents, participate in the program by bringing art and art history into the classroom, working monthly with teachers and students. Each school has a volunteer AIS Coordinator who is responsible for working with the Greater Reston Arts Center Education Manager and running the AIS program in their school.

At the beginning of each year the Coordinators receive a training manual which has been developed to answer any questions and provide an outline of the program. Additionally, Coordinators must find volunteers from each classroom to act as AIS Docents, who will present the art appreciation portfolios. The presentation consists of a 15-20 minute open discussion with the children about the artist or subject, followed by a 45 minute art activity designed to enhance what the children have learned in their discussion.

To volunteer for GRACE Art, please download and print the form below, place in an envelope addressed to Sue Lefave, then return to the office or a classroom teacher.
GRACE Art signup form

For an FAQ with information about volunteering, please click on the following link: GRACE Art Volunteer FAQ

GRACE Art Docent Meetings 2009-10

Meetings take place from 9-10:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria
on the following days:

Wednesday   Sept. 30
Thursday       Nov. 5
Wednesday   Dec. 2
Wednesday  Jan. 6
Wednesday   Feb. 3
Wednesday   March 3
Wednesday   April 7
Wednesday   May 5