Bring art to life at Wilder!
The Wilder PTSA Art Docent program brings hands-on, creative, and exciting art experiences into every classroom each month. It’s a wonderful way to volunteer at school, spend time with your child and their classmates, and help make art a memorable part of their Wilder experience.
And here’s the best part: you do NOT need to be an artist! You don’t need an art degree, special skills, or even much art experience. If you’re enthusiastic and willing to have some fun, you’re ready to be an Art Docent!
✨ What does an Art Docent do?
Art Docents work in teams supporting each classroom, so you need only volunteer in your own child’s class. Teachers are responsible for teaching the art lessons with support from art docents. That support involves pulling together art supplies, helping with the implementation of the art lesson, creating a bulletin board for art work at the beginning of the year and hanging up artwork after each project is completed.
The lessons are thoughtfully planned, with step-by-step instructions, project examples, and all the supplies you need to gather them easily. You simply show up, follow the lesson and support your teacher, and enjoy creating alongside the kids.
You’ll get to:
- 🎨 Help support fun, engaging art projects in your child’s classroom
- ✂️ Help students explore different artistic techniques and materials
- 📚 Connect art projects to books, artists, and creative ideas
- ❤️ Spend meaningful time with your child and their classmates
- 🌟 Watch kids discover that they really can be artists!
🖌️ About the Program
Wilder uses Deep Space Sparkle (DSS), an engaging art curriculum adopted by the Lake Washington School District. DSS provides grade-level art lessons, teaching resources, books, and videos designed to make teaching art approachable and fun—even if you don’t consider yourself artistic!
Our clay projects are also fully planned, with easy-to-follow, step-by-step directions. And you’re never on your own—our Art Docent Leads are available to answer questions, help with projects, and make sure you feel confident in the classroom.
🌈 No experience necessary!
Whether you’re an experienced artist or someone who hasn’t picked up a paintbrush since elementary school, you belong in the Art Docent program!
New Art Docents should attend the beginning-of-year Art Docent training. If you miss the training, simply reach out to the Art Docent Leads and we’ll get you up to speed.
Come make a mess, make some art, and make some memories! We’d love to have you join us.
PTSA Art Docent Chair Contacts
Art Docent Lead
For general information also feel free to contact art@wilderptsa.net
LWSD requires background checks for all volunteers. Click here for more information
Art Docent Handbook
For a detailed overview, resources, and templates please review the Art Docent Handbook.
Lesson Planning
1. Establish a contact person among the art docents in your classroom and work with the teacher regarding times and dates for art lessons.
2. Email art@wilderptsa.net to reserve the art portable or kiln and schedule your projects on the PTSA enrichment calendar once dates/times have been established with your teacher.
3. Find Lesson plans below or in the art portable file cabinet
4. Email art@wilderptsa.net if you are missing any supplies or have any other questions
Helpful Tips and Art Lesson Tools
- Classroom Hallway Display Ideas
- Mona Lisa Listening Skills
- Elements of Art
- Color Theory
- Color Wheel
- End of Year Art Portfolio Instructions
Clay Lesson Tips and Tools
