Famous Artists^tm is designed to develop visual literacy in students in school-age children. Created in 1986, it serves both public and independent schools throughout the area. Professional art educators and art historians train parent docents to deliver interactive classroom presentations that enable students to experience the wonders of artistic creation and provide tools for students to evaluate and interpret visual art. Approximately 12 schools and 220 parents participate in the program, which serves approximately 6000 students. Famous Artists is a trademarked, arts-in-education program of The Rye Arts Center.

Famous Artists: Spring 2010

This spring, our Famous Artists will be architects who have contributed to the social history, the built environment, and the skyline of New York City. The works selected for study are: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Chrysler Building, and Yankee Stadium. An optional online investigation will be offered in the form of Frank Gehry’s IAC Building in Chelsea. Docent training will focus on the principles of architecture as well as the specifics of the buildings being explored.

While it is not possible to offer a digital project (mimicking practicing architects’ working methods), exciting 2-D and 3-D activities will be suggested for classroom use. Related digital and hands-on activities will be sent to teachers and parents who would like to follow up on the presentation.

Docent Training Sessions will be held on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 9th:
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 10th:
9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Thursday, March 11th:
9:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.