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Art OutreachArt Outreach is a system of more than 70 teaching portfolios that explore an artist or grouping of artists; a movement in art history (i.e., Impressionism), or theme.
The physical portfolios that use prints and artifacts and may be checked out to any Springfield area educational institution or community group organization free of charge. Digital versions of the portfolios with a greater variety of high quality images are available on this site for use by any education institution or community group across the nation. The only "cost" of digital portfolio access is completing a form about its use. Since 1973, Art Outreach has been utilized in the greater Springfield, Illinois area by more than 5,000 students per month. Thank you for your support: |
What's in a portfolio? |
Prints and/or Artifacts: Each portfolio contains ten to twelve prints (or artifacts, or slides) that are designed to visually explain a certain theme, movement in art history, or individual artist. Each print is documented with background information and pertinent questions to aid the volunteer in the preparation of fun and exciting classroom discussions.
Information Packet: This packet explains the background data of the presented work and its artist; as well as highlights potential reading suggestions and research points; and discussion questions. Supplementary Craft Project: This craft suggestion (performed immediately after the presentation or left for another day, depending on time) reinforces the discussed artist or painting technique. |
What topics can I present? |
Some portfolios are developed around a theme (animals, transportation or sports). Other portfolios may be built around an art movement (Impressionism, Surrealism, or Pop art). Still other portfolio lessons center on an individual artist or artists (Rembrandt, Karsh, or Van Gogh). At the end of many portfolio lesson plans is a topic bibliography for the docent's further research or for sharing with classroom instructors and students. Portfolios can be utilized in any classroom environment, particularly in cross-curricular exercises like history and language arts.
Many of the Art Outreach portfolios can be presented to better explain the myriad of national and cultural heritage months. For example, the portfolios "Historical Portrayal of Women," "Women Artists", and "Georgia O'Keeffe" would all be excellent additions to the classroom for National Women's Month in March; "Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera" for National Hispanic Heritage Month in September; and "Civil War Era", "Harlem Renaissance" or "Norman Rockwell" for February's African American History and American History Month. |
How do I access a portfolio? |
If you're interested in checking out a portfolio, in either physical or digital form, please fill out this form to receive your login information. Then you will have access to the portfolios for one school year. We ask that you reapply for your login information next year to keep all our contacts current. If you have any questions, please contact the Education Coordinator at education@springfieldart.org
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How do I join?
Sign-up as a New Participant
You will be emailed login information, after filling out this contact form.