Symbols inspired by Porfirio Gutierrez

Students studied the symbols of Porfirio’s Zapotec heritage and how they are designed to be used in weavings.  They started with sketches of their own ideas and adapted them into symbols that followed a grid of squares and triangles.  The words in red were written by the students to describe the meaning of their symbol.

The artwork below was produced in middle school classrooms at Anacapa Middle in Ventura, Isbell Middle in Santa Paula and Rio del Valle Middle School in Oxnard.

Thank you to the Ruth & Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts for generously funding these residencies.

Click on each image to see the full size.

Funding

Our standard 8-week in-the-classroom residency is $800 (including instructor and supplies).  You can “Adopt A Classroom” for $800.00. Click HERE to Donate.

Learning to See Outreach (LTS) is a multi-lesson, sequential, cross-curricular arts education program and aligns with California education standards serving grades K-8.  LTS emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, celebration of diversity, confidence in self-expression, and supports social emotional learning.  Many lessons highlight the art and life of extraordinary artists from our community whose work is rooted in their cultural heritage.

LTS 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.Lessons are inspired by FOTM documented artists from our community and include a comprehensive range of art concepts, styles and media.

Programs are supported in a variety of ways, including school and PTA funds, grants, or personal donations from an individual or group of family/friends.

For more information, or to arrange a residency in your neighborhood, call 805.653.2501 or email Education@FocusontheMasters.com.