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Art Literacy

The Art Literacy Program brings art appreciation into every elementary classroom through engaging presentations led by classroom volunteers. Students explore art history, study iconic and contemporary works, and build foundational skills that support their own creative growth. The program nurtures the whole child through art:

Creative Thinking — Students learn to approach challenges with imagination, flexibility, and persistence.

Communication Skills — Art encourages students to listen, interpret, and express their own ideas with clarity.

Cultural Awareness — Exposure to diverse artists and traditions builds empathy and global understanding.

Critical Thinking — Observation, reasoning, and problem‑solving are strengthened through examination and discussion.

Confidence Building — Art offers a safe space for risk‑taking, especially for quieter students who thrive through hands‑on expression.

Motor Skill Development — Younger students build coordination, while older students refine fine motor skills essential for collaboration and visual communication.

 

Vision
Our vision is to provide every elementary student with an opportunity to create and appreciate art. Just like math and science, Art Literacy is a discipline in which skills are built upon each year and contributes to both knowledge and critical thinking abilities that are essential to preparation for post-high school endeavors.

Mission
Our mission is to have a district-led and parent volunteer program that exposes students to a wide array of artists, cultures, and art mediums. Funding for our program is currently and generously provided by our school PSO/PTOs as well as other donors.

Contact

District Art Literacy Coordinator
Anne Johnson
ajohnson4@ttsd.k12.or.us

Artists students are studying this year...

Alberta Rider: Vincent Van Gogh, Dale Chihuly, Wayne Theibaud, Herb Kāne, PNW Tribes.
Bridgeport: Herb Kāne, Beatrice Milhazes, and more!  
Byrom: Japanese Sumi-e, Matisse, Mary Cassatt, Romare Bearden, El Anatsui.
CFT: Deigo Rivera, Claude Monet, MC Escher, Lois Mailou Jones, Alexander Calder. 
Deer Creek: TBD.
Durham: Picasso, Durer, Maurice Sendak, Faith Ringold, Australian Aboriginal. 
Metzger: TBD                             Rutkin: Frank Lloyd Wright, Bridget Riley, Joachim McMillan, Lucienne Day, Rene Magritte.
Templeton: Chinese art, Berthe Morisot, Andrew Wyeth, Edvard Munch, Oscar Howe.
Tualatin: DaVinci, PNW Coastal Tribes, Monet, MC Escher, Grandma Moses, Oregon Potter Association.
Mary Woodward: Australian Aboriginal, Edward Manet, Johathan Green, Beatrice Milhazes, Shelly Durica-Laiche. 

Program Information

Overview of Art Literacy

Art Disciplines of DBAE

Presentation Categories

Related Links