Welcome to John Muir Visual Arts Program

The visual arts program at John Muir uses the world as inspiration. We practice techniques such as line, color, texture, shape, form, and value through different projects and mediums. Artists, past and present, and art history are an integral part of the project-based curriculum. Intentional anti-racist, arts-rich curriculum and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) artists lead our explorations.

Mindfulness and trauma-informed practices are seamlessly woven throughout our daily rituals and hands-on studio practice. Representation from our community and the world informs our practice to examine and reimagine the ways art celebrates the magic of creating something out of nothing and accessing the joy of hands-on learning.

Arts Integration and collaboration with community and classroom teachers is an important way to bring deeper understanding and address different learning styles. The arts help us learn to communicate, creative problem solving, explore critical and creative thinking skills, learn perseverance, and help build confidence.

These goals help us focus on process rather than product, learn meaningful ways to express ourselves, and find ways to see ourselves as valuable members of our community.

If you are unable to volunteer but are interested in making a donation, please see our art studio wish list below. Thank you!

Supply Donations: Baby wipes, Clorox wipes, tissues, tin foil, gallon-size plastic bags, Chinet paper plates, yarn (bright colors), masking tape, wax paper, card stock paper, and glue sticks.

Volunteer Opportunities: Hang and mount art (times can be flexible), be a guest artist or connect with any community arts organizations, or prep materials (times can be flexible).