Held 6 times per year (once per lesson)
Fridays, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Drop in anytime. It is an open house style. Stay as long as you need.
Location: New Emerson Art Room
During in-person training, you will
Create the project yourself
Learn teaching tips and classroom strategies
Ask questions and connect with other volunteers
Pick up your materials for the upcoming lesson
This open-house format allows you to learn at your own pace in a supportive environment.
If you are unable to attend in person, online training is available.
Online training typically includes:
A video introducing the artist and classroom discussion
A step-by-step project demonstration
Additional resources, such as biographies and teaching tips
This option allows you to prepare on your own time while still feeling confident leading your lesson.
Each training session focuses on a specific artist and project. Across the year, volunteers explore lessons such as:
Watercolor painting inspired by the Wyeth family
Mixed media portraits in the style of Picasso
Fabric collage storytelling with Faith Ringgold
Figure drawing and sculpture with Giacometti
Printmaking inspired by Hokusai
Ceiling-style drawing inspired by Michelangelo
Each lesson builds your confidence in:
Teaching artistic techniques
Facilitating student discussion
Encouraging creativity and exploration
Art Heritage is about more than making projects—it’s about building thinkers and creators.
Volunteers are encouraged to:
Foster curiosity and conversation
Encourage multiple perspectives (no “right answers”)
Support creative risk-taking
Help students make personal connections to art
Through this approach, students develop creativity, confidence, and critical thinking skills that extend beyond the art room.
Training is also a chance to:
Connect with other volunteers
Share ideas and strategies
Build a supportive art community across schools
Together, we create meaningful art experiences for students across District 51.
All lesson materials are provided by the district
Supplies are distributed at each training
Each box includes enough materials for your school’s students
Additional supplies are available if needed
You are not on your own—support is always available from:
Your school’s Art Heritage coordinator
District coordinators (Lora &)
Fellow volunteers at training sessions
Join us for a training session, explore the online resources, and get ready to bring creativity, color, and inspiration into the classroom.
We're so glad you're here!
Art Comes Alive in Our Schools!
We’re so grateful for our amazing team of dedicated volunteers. Because of you, D51 elementary students get to experience fun, hands-on art lessons that spark creativity and learning.
THANK YOU
for sharing your time, energy, and heart with our school community!