Learning To See Student Gallery

Each lesson is inspired by the life and work of a Focus on the Masters Documented Artist.

Artwork by students from Cesar E. Chavez, Elmhurst, Harrington, Sheridan Way and Topa Topa Elementary Schools
2020-2021

These residencies were generously funded by the California Arts Council and Ojai Women’s Fund.

Learn about the FOTM Documented Artists who inspired the artwork in this gallery.

Embossed Tiles inspired by Richard Keit & Mary Kennedy of RTK Studios
Students create a symmetrical tile on metal in the tradition RTK Studios with historical roots in Catalina, Malibu, Mexican, Spanish and  Islamic tile and design.

Word Art inspired by Artist Gary Lang
Gary loves to write and paint and use words in his art, too.  He does not follow the rules of writing.  It is ART!  Students used their own creative writing to make their words into art, too!

Cruisin’ Cars inspired by Frank Romero
Students learn about Frank Romero, his role in the Chicano art movement and own influence of growing up in Los Angeles as inspiration for his art.   They have fun using bold colors and shapes with cars in an urban landscape, just like Frank.

Magical Surrealism inspired by Christine Brennan
Often dreamlike and mysterious, Christine’s work is full of symbols. There may be a child-like feel, but she uses traditional elements.  Students learned how to use  contour line, value and form and a strong horizon line as they let their creativity flow.

Fifth grader Kylie from Mrs. Mendoza’s class at Meiners Oaks Elementary shows off the art projects she created with Learning To See.

Funding

Our standard 8-week in-the-classroom residency is $600 (including instructor and supplies).
You can “Adopt A Classroom” for $600.00. Click HERE to Donate

Four week and single lessons are also available. Our lessons are cross-curricular and support the California content standards. Many of them can be tailored and grouped to work with a particular unit of study, i.e. zoology, social studies, history, language arts, sciences, etc. They are adaptable to a wide range of grade levels from elementary through secondary grades and beyond, including community groups and programs. Programs are supported in a variety of ways, including school and PTA funds, grants, or personal donations from an individual or group of parents/grandparents.

Our program is taught by professional artists who have extensive educational experience. We feel that this criterion helps to guide the student with a deeper understanding of the art making process.

For more information, or to arrange a residency in your neighborhood, call 805.653.2501 or email [email protected].

SUPPORT

Your donations support the programs that are at the heart of the FOTM’s mission…

to document and archive extraordinary artists and their work through photographic portraits, audio and video interviews and biographical research that encompass each artist’s experiences, artistic reflections and development; and 2) to present this work to a broad public through extensive education outreach to all ages – including at-risk youth through our Learning to See Youth Outreach program, Art & The Creative Spirit Enrichment Program for Seniors, a public monthly Artist Spotlight Series, exhibitions, publications, website and an extensive resource library.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

VCCF
Reed Foundation
Hilton Foundation
California Humanities
City of Ventura
Ventura County
Museum of Ventura County
Image Source
Ventura Picture Framing
BofA Performing Arts Center
Custom Printing
California Arts Council
The Breeze