The function of art is to do more than tell it like it is-it’s to imagine what is possible.”
-bell hooks
The visual arts program at John Muir uses the world as inspiration. We practice techniques such as line, color, texture, shape, form, and value through different projects and mediums. Artists, past and present, and art history are an intregal part of the project based curriculum. Intentional anti- racist arts rich curriculum and BIPOC artists lead our explorations. Mindfulness and trauma informed practices are seamlessly woven throughout our daily rituals and hands on studio practice. Representation from our community and the world inform our practice to examine and reimagine the ways art celebrates the magic of creating something out of nothing and accessing the joy of hands on learning. Arts Integration and collaboration with community and classroom teachers is an important way to bring deeper understanding and address different learning styles. The arts help us learn to communicate, creative problem solving, explore critical and creative thinking skills, learn perserverance and help build confidence. These goals help us focus on process rather than product, learn meaningful ways to express ourselves, and find ways to see ourselves as valuable members of our community.
If you are unable to volunteer but are interested in making a donation, please see our art studio wish list below. Thank you!
Julie Trout Visual Art Specialist
John Muir Elementary
Room 14
(206) 252-7400
[email protected]
Art Studio Wish List
Clorox wipes for clean up, baby wipes, drawing paper, card stock, Sharpies- thick and thin, glue sticks, old maps, stencils, baby food jars with lids, old buttons, embroidery hoops, colorful yarn, gift cards to Dick Blick/Artist and Craftsman.
Ways you can volunteer
Help mount/hang artwork!! This can be done at home or in the art room, help set up for art shows, Multicultural Night, Celebration of Learning, Spring Columbia City art show fundraiser, help prep materials (cutting, rolling clay, organizing), help hang art work once a month (time can be flexible), help in the classroom with students (afternoons only M-W), connect us with artists as guest speakers or any sort of arts organizations that might be interested in working with us, live musicians/DJ's) as a special art room experience , can provide an occasional chai latte, a hug, a smile, and lots of praise to our amazing students for their work!
Please check out The Creative Advantage to see how the City of Seattle and Seattle Public Schools are partnering to bring equal access to the arts to all students http://creativeadvantageseattle.org