On Sunday, April 13, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art will have a free public exhibition of student artwork from the current Art Rewards the Students (ARTS) exhibit.
Max Friedauer / Special to the Sun
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art’s (SVMA) seventh annual Art Rewards the Student (ARTS) education outreach to the Sonoma Valley Unified School District has culminated with a free public exhibition of student artwork that is running through Sunday, April 13 at the museum, 551 Broadway, Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The ARTS program, coordinated for the 2007–08 academic year by Robyn Muscardini, emphasizes cultural diversity, professional art instruction and art appreciation for youth.
Entitled “Celebrate,” the show honors of the museum’s 10th anniversary with celebratory artwork created by 750 elementary and middle school students.
In fall 2007, fourth- and fifth-graders from Dunbar, Sassarini, El Verano, Flowery and Prestwood Elementary Schools received professional classroom instruction in a variety of art media. Student projects included piñatas, Chinese lanterns, flags, banners, gift-wrap, parasols, sombreros, bead necklaces, Yoruba crowns, family portraits, May Day baskets and table settings.
Thirteen high-school student interns are working to design, install and promote the exhibition. Advised by SVMA mentors, the interns have been studying the principles of design, color and installation techniques. Their coursework has included lectures by art and museum professionals and field trips. The interns have also assisted SVMA art instructors in the classroom and helped SVMA staff and volunteers assemble and dismantle other exhibitions.
Through Friday, April 4, school groups will visit the exhibition and participate in a visual arts lesson. On Sunday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will host a free, anniversary-themed community day featuring live entertainment and art activities for children and adults.
The ARTS program is funded by donations from the Vadasz Family Foundation, Sonoma Plein Air Foundation, the City of Sonoma and Sonoma Valley Bank. For more details, visit www.svma.org.
