Art Volunteers In The Classroom to offer workshop

The Fox Valley Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago will again sponsor the free annual workshop to train and encourage the Art Volunteers In The Classroom.

This year's workshop will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave. Baby-sitting is not available. Registration will begin at 6 p.m.

Reservations are not required but are recommended, because previous years' attendances have been more than 50. For details, call Geri at (630) 845-0103.

The workshop is a free program offered to all art volunteers and will cover useful information for both new and experienced presenters. This year, the program presenter is Joseph Casbarian, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a bachelor in fine arts in 1999 and a master's degree in sculpture from Northern Illinois University in 2010.

He has been an art educator in Batavia elementary schools since 1999. He will present three projects: a hands-on experience of art making using 20th century artists Matisse, Mondrian and Picasso.

The Art Volunteers in the Classroom, previously known as "picture lady" or "picture presenters," has been an ongoing program in most area elementary schools for approximately 36 years. These volunteers are interested in helping youth understand and appreciate art.

This well-organized, long-term community program is of great benefit to our area students. If you want to become involved as a volunteer or start a program at your school, contact your local PTA or PTO.

The Fox Valley Associates, who sponsor this workshop, are affiliated with the Art Institute of Chicago. Its members are art enthusiasts who encourage informal study and participation in the visual arts. Many art related programs, lectures and art-oriented trips are scheduled throughout the year.