In 1988, Kathy Peterson and Paula Tarango began creating and teaching lessons at Vista Grande Elementary School based on the principles of art that Kathy had studied in college – line, shape, value, space, color, texture and composition–giving kids the language of art. At the same time, they were working out the infrastructure for an elementary school art program that leveraged volunteers in order to reach every child in every classroom. Over the next few years, the Art Corps volunteer-based program took shape, grade level lessons were developed, lesson books were written, and manuals were created to guide a school to success in their art program.

From the beginning, the Art Corps program has these unique characteristics: the high quality of the lessons – through which children learned sophisticated concepts developmentally; the range of artistic tools and techniques; the involvement of parents in an important role in the education process and the comprehensive support provided:

• high-quality lessons – through which children learned sophisticated concepts developmentally;
• a wide range of artistic tools and techniques;
• the involvement of parents in an important role in the education process, and
• comprehensive support provided to schools and parents to ensure the quality of the educational experience.

Nearly 3 decades later, Art Corps reaches about 10,000 students every year with 8 unique grade-level art lessons that build fundamental skills and comprehension. Almost 800 parents volunteer to teach or help in the classroom as well as stage the Annual Art Show where parents and family members can view an exhibition featuring artwork from every student. And now, as a non-profit, we will be able to bring art education to San Diego students who would not otherwise have the opportunity for a hands-on experience with art.

Our philosophy has always been to give students the basic skills and the tools to understand, appreciate and create art. We treat art education as a discipline, focused squarely on process, not product, and on giving children the ability to think creatively in all situations.

“Study of the arts in its many forms—whether as a stand-alone subject or integrated into the school curriculum— is increasingly accepted  as an essential part of achieving success in school, work and life.”

*How the Arts Benefit Student Achievement, NASAA