“A picture is a poem without words.” -Horace
Art funding was cut from Utah’s elementary curriculum in the 1980s. In 2012, as volunteer programs struggled to maintain momentum, PCEF, parents, the school district, and the Kimball Art Center came together to create the Elementary Visual Arts program (EVA). Art plays a critical role in student success, fostering creativity, problem- solving skills, and confidence. Through EVA, students experience teamwork, curiosity, and a deeper connection to their humanity every day in our schools and classrooms.
Park City’s Elementary Visual Arts (EVA) program celebrates artists and nurtures creativity through artistic process, focusing on a different artist and student project from September through May. In February, students will have the unique opportunity to participate in creating artwork for the Wasatch Back Student Art Show. Participating EVA elementary schools include: McPolin, Parley’s Park, and Trailside; PCEF donor funding covers the Art Teachers' salaries.
2024-2025 EVA CURRICULUM
September
Jasper Johns (born 1930) is an American painter and sculptor, who is known for his use of symbolism, Pop Art and collage. Students will study Pop Art and Jasper Johns’ American flag. Then they will design and create their own flag with paint, collage, wax and personal symbols.
October
Keith Haring (1958-1990) was an influential American artist known for his vibrant, graphic style and social activism. Students will learn about the artist’s inspirations and his style. They will then practice drawing Haring-inspired characters, create a final project using markers or paint sticks.
November
Judith Scott (1943-2005) was an American artist known for her intricate and expressive fiber sculptures, created using wrapped and knotted materials, which reflect her unique vision and experiences as an artist with Down syndrome. Students will learn about Judith Scott and her unique fiber art sculptures. They will create their own wrapped sculptures using found materials and yarn, developing their creativity and understanding of abstract art.
December
Antoni Gaudí (1852 - 1926) was a Spanish architect born in Barcelona, Spain, with a unique vision. Students will build their own three-dimensional masterpieces using air dry clay in the celebrated architectural style of Antoni Gaudi and learn about the history and work of Gaudi whose style is whimsical and organic, classified as Art Nouveau, combining many styles and shapes.
January
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) was a Mexican artist known for her bold self-portraits depicting her culture and experiences. Students will learn how to draw the proportions and features of a human face while exploring symbols that reflect their personal identity in oil pastels.
February
Wasatch Back Student Art Show Lesson
March
Paul Klee (1879–1940) was a Swiss and German artist best known for his paintings influenced by cubism, expressionism and surrealism. Students will learn about his landscape and perspective to create a watercolor painting.
April
Takashi Murakami (born 1962) is a Japanese artist known for his playful and bright contemporary Japanese prints. Students will learn about his influences from traditional Japanese art to anime and create their own cartoons inspired by his contemporary art style.
May
Man Ray (1890-1976) is an artist best known for his revolutionary photography artwork using photograms. Students will experiment with photo development and learn about composition using light-sensitive paper and natural materials.
Interested in getting involved in the EVA program at your child’s Elementary School? Potential volunteers will need to complete the PCSD Volunteer Process, and email the EVA Educator at their respective school: McPolin Elementary School: Lucia Ferrazzoli, Parley's Park Elementary School: Melissa Allen, and Trailside Elementary School: Giuliana Mendiola.
The EVA arts program is provided by the Park City Education Foundation in partnership with the Kimball Art Center, and is one of PCEF’s 8 Signature Initiatives. Help PCEF to continue to Build the Foundation for every student to succeed and continue funding important school initiatives by donating $360, or $2 per school day, or by joining Scholar Circle during our annual Parent Appeal running now through October.
