Art in the Schools ProgramWhat is Art in the Schools? The Art in the Schools (AIS) program was established in 1976 by GreaterRestonArtsCenter, to supplement and support local children's art experience in school. The program is based on in-class presentations
of art historical subjects, followed by coordinating art projects. In 1974, a Fairfax County art resource teacher saw each child only once in an entire calendar year.
Today, the art resource teachers in Fairfax County schools have significantly increased and the elementary child in Fairfax County will receive some level of art instruction every two to three weeks, although in some schools it may be less. AIS continues to be a vital and an integral means of promoting an art experience and enrichment program on an elementary school level.  The Program consists of 69 art portfolios, a library of over 90 videos, a slide library, and resource materials on artists and art activities. The 69 art appreciation portfolios contain reproductions of artwork, study questions, and follow-up art activities and vocabulary. Each portfolio has been carefully formulated to provide a cultural lesson in an art historical context. The content and subject matter of each portfolio is firmly tied to the current visual arts curricula in Fairfax County. In addition, the program can be used as a supplement for interdisciplinary teaching. The portfolios focus on a particular artist, style of art, or a theme of art. Each portfolio contains the following:
How is the Program Run? Forestville's Version of Andy Warhol What makes this program so unique and worthwhile is that it is run entirely on a volunteer basis by over 1,000 individuals. These volunteers participate in the program by bringing art and art history into the classroom, working monthly with teachers and students. Each school has a volunteer AIS Coordinator who is responsible for working with the Greater Reston Arts Center Art in the Schools Manager and running the AIS program in their school. At the beginning of each year the Coordinators receive a training manual which has been developed to answer any questions and provide an outline of the program. Additionally, Coordinators must find volunteers from each classroom to act as AIS Docents, who will present the art appreciation portfolios. The presentation consists of a 15-20 minute open discussion with the children about the artist or subject, followed by a 45 minute art activity designed to enhance what the children have learned in their discussion. How can I get my school involved?The first step is to call GreaterRestonArtsCenter to discuss the program with the Art in the Schools Manager who will then send you a comprehensive package about the AIS program. This package can then be used to present the program to your school's PTA/PTO. It is mandatory to get permission and funding from your school to participate in the program. Once this is done, you will fill out the necessary forms for enrollment and choose your portfolios for the year. Enrollment begins in June for the upcoming school year. Currently there are 50 public and private schools from several counties enrolled in the AIS program.
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