Peebles Elementary School

The Traveling Art Gallery (T.A.G.) Is an art appreciation program in which a different print by a famous artist is presented by a volunteer to each classroom on a rotating monthly basis.

Why T.A.G.?

This program supplements the existing art education program by introducing the children to famous artists. The goals of this program are to develop each child's interest in art and stimulate his or her ability to form a personal opinion and enjoy a variety of works of art.

How was the art selected?

Forty works of famous artists have been selected for presentation to the children. A committee, chaired by Suzanne Carson and Francie Cech, artists and art educators, assembled a collection that ranges from the Renaissance period to current times. Many of the works selected were done by artists who have work on display at the Carnegie Museum Scaiffe Gallery. The committee also included Barbara LeWinter and Barbara Whitehouse, interested parents with artistic experience.

How is T.A.G. Funded?

Funds for the acquisition of the original set of prints and framing were provided through a grant from the North Allegheny Foundation of Excellence. Additional sets were funded through a partnership comprised of the Foundation, North Allegheny School District, and the eight P.F.A's/P.T.O.'s.

How does T.A.G. Work?

Volunteers present a particular art print to each classroom at a given grade level on a monthly basis. The print remains in each classroom for a month and then "moves" with the volunteer to another classroom.

Each volunteer develops an interesting presentation (20 - 30 minutes) of a print assigned to him/her at a given grade level. Materials and supplementary art work are given to each volunteer to assist him/her in developing their presentation. Volunteers are assisted by an art expert and the art teachers as needed. A training session is held prior to scheduled presentations to orient the volunteers and distribute prints and materials.

How is T.A.G. organized in individual buildings?

T.A.G. is organized through a network of parent volunteers. It is essential that each building participating in have a parent volunteer coordinator(s) as well as volunteer for each classroom.

The parent volunteer coordinators responsibilities include:

Prior to presentations:

• Recruiting volunteers.
• Organizing training session for volunteers.
• Assisting and distributing prints.
• Working with building principal and teachers to develop a presentation schedule.

At conclusion of presentations:

• Overseeing collection of prints/folders.
• Distributing and collecting volunteer and teacher evaluation forms.
• Checking the general condition of the prints, wrapping and labeling the prints, and placing the prints in the designated storage area.

The volunteer responsibilities include:

• Developing a presentation for their one assigned print.
• Organizing any necessary materials for the presentationand check with the classroom teacher for available materials in the classroom. (E.g.. record players, crayons, paper, etc.)
• Contacting classroom teacher prior to the scheduled presentation to briefly review plans and solicit "helpful hints" on making presentations successful.
• On first T.A.G. day, bringing print to presentation -- on subsequent T.A.G. days, picking up print from previous month's classroom and transporting it to the next destination.
• At conclusion of T.A.G. program, writing up a brief description of your presentation and placing it in the folder on the back of your print. You may also wish to include copies of articles, prints, etc. that you found helpful in preparing your presentation.
• Filling out an evaluation form and returning it to the T.A.G. Coordinator.

*Please note: If you cannot make a scheduled T.A.G. Presentation please contact your classroom teacher to reschedule presentations at a mutually convenient time!!!!