Arts Education

Artists in the Schools Program

The Artists-in-the-Schools Program is Calaveras Arts Council’s longest-running project, established in 1981, providing workshops and performances by professional artists, musicians, storytellers, and more, to local public schools. 

The goal: to be catalysts for kids to discover the magic of the arts and how creating art can lead to self-expression, growth, exploration, and gratification. We can’t ignore the facts: arts education strengthens learning skills, builds self-esteem, and often provides the “hook” which keeps children interested in school. Evidence is strong that school achievement is higher if the arts are regularly a part of education.

We produce a Catalog that describes the various artists available and each K-8 school selects qualified artists to make presentations to fit their needs. The Program is supported by a grant from the County Office of Education, as well as matching funds from schools and the arts council’s fundraising.

The Arts Council and Calaveras K-8 schools owe special thanks to the Calaveras Community Foundation for their generous 2009-2010 grant that brought performing artists into their schools.  For more information about the foundation and their contributions to the community, contact Brent Harrington at 736-1845.

Additionally, “ArtSpirit” is our annual High School Juried Exhibit held in March, Arts Education Month. One of our most popular shows, this exhibit usually features over 200 works of art by more than 100 students from our county’s three high schools. It gives art students a way to shine, teaches them about matting art, curating shows and pricing art to sell.  

The arts are enriched with the stuff kids need to succeed. Feed Your Kids the Arts. Here are 10 Simple Ways you can start today to get more art in your child's life, courtesy of Americans for the Arts.

We welcome donations to keep this vital Arts Education program alive. Simply send a check made payable to Calaveras Arts Council and mark the memo Arts Education. Mail to P.O. Box 250, San Andreas, CA 95249.  We will acknowledge you on our Sponsors and Underwriters page.