"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for." -Georgia O’Keeffe
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.
2025-2026 EVA CURRICULUM
September
Joan Miró (1893–1983) was a Spanish artist known for his innovative, dreamlike paintings with simple color choices and symbolic imagery. Inspired by Miró’s style, students will explore lines, shapes, patterns, and colors using a variety of materials while learning the elements of art and principles of design.
October
Eric Carle (1929-2021) was a beloved American author and illustrator of children’s literature. Students will study his collage techniques and create their own illustrated character or animal using texture, shape, and color.
November
Maruja Mallo (1902–1995) was a Spanish artist known for combining geometry with imaginative, surreal imagery. Students will explore her use of shapes, balance, and harmony to create their own artwork inspired by her geometric compositions.
December
Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) was a pioneering American artist known for his graffiti-inspired style and use of text and symbolism. Students will learn about his life and create expressive self-portraits using layered materials and strong lines.
January
Faith Ringgold (1930–2024) reimagined traditional quilt-making by combining fabric art with painting and storytelling to convey powerful personal and cultural narratives. Students will explore color theory and symbolism as they create paper quilt collages inspired by Ringgold’s vibrant and thought-provoking work.
February
Wasatch Back Student Art Show Lesson
March
Robert Smithson (1938–1973) was a leader in the Land Art movement, best known for the Spiral Jetty in Utah. Students will learn about environmental art, local bird species, and habitat preservation, then create their own nature-inspired artworks.
April
Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986) was known for her large-scale abstract paintings of flowers and landscapes. Students will explore abstraction and observation by creating close-up nature studies.
May
Typography - Students will learn about Graphic Design (the profession) and how designers use and create fonts by applying the elements of art and principles of design. Students will work with a single letter, applying design elements and imagination to transform it into an image of a word.
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 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 September 12th.
