Let's Look at Art

  • A teacher stands in front of a classroom of young students who are looking at a photo that the teacher is holding. Multiple students sit with their hands raised.
     

As your partners in education, Let’s Look at Art is available virtually and in person!

We are pleased to offer FREE presentations.

Let's Look at Art presentations occur during the school year and lead to exciting processes of discovery for students in Santa Clara County. Using Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) that support the Common Core State Standards, a trained docent leads a FREE 30–45 minute art presentation for your classroom. All art selections are carefully researched and presented with a specific set of curriculum objectives. The artworks also represent the cultural diversity of the Bay Area.

Free! For your classroom

The free presentations occur throughout the school year, beginning late Fall–May. Due to the high volume of requests, we recommend that you sign up early.

Request a Let's Look at Art Presentation

Art in the Dark for Middle and High School

We are pleased to offer virtual art presentations for Grades 6–12. You can find more information on these presentations under Art in the Dark.

Portfolio Presentations for Elementary Students

Grade TK–K: Color Fun – Explores color, line, and shape in visual art prints.

Grades 1–3: The Basics of Art – Use the elements of art to teach students how to "read" art.

Grade 4: California – Examine selected masterworks. Review California art and artists or introduce perspective and composition.

Grade 5: America and American Artists – Focus on American history through artists and American art.

Grades 6–12: Click here for information on our Art In The Dark digital presentations available to Grades 6 and up.

Let's Look at Art FAQs

What are the program dates?
The Let’s Look at Art program occurs during the school year September–May.

How much does it cost?
It’s FREE!

How many students per presentation? 
Up to 36 students

How long are the presentations?
Docent-led presentations are from 30–45 minutes. For virtual presentations, teachers must host the video presentation and facilitate interactions with the students during the entire presentation. For in-person presentations, the teacher must remain in the classroom during the entire presentation and ensure good classroom behavior by the students, encouraging participation.

How can I sign up?
If you need assistance please e-mail LLAA@sjmusart.org. Program dates are September–May, but plan early for best availability as LLAA programs fill very quickly. We make every effort to accommodate your scheduling preference, but because we cannot guarantee availability, your presentation date is confirmed only after you receive a confirmation email from one of our Let’s Look at Art docents.

Volunteer Opportunities

Become a docent for the best volunteer job you'll ever have.

No art experience is required, and docents enjoy opportunities for personal enrichment through informative lectures and day trips to other museums.

For information about volunteering for the Let’s Look at Art program, please email vol4llaa@sjmusart.org.

Training begins in January.

Apply for this position

Thank you to our supporters

Let’s Look at Art is made possible by lead support from California Arts Council; major support from Sally Lucas; and generous support from Worth and Andy Ludwick.

Education programs at the San José Museum of Art are made possible by lead support from California Arts Council; major support from Sally Lucas and the Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation; generous support from the Koret Foundation, KPMG, Worth and Andy Ludwick, SVCreates in partnership with Santa Clara County, Tech CU, Daphne and Stuart Wells; additional support from the City of San Jose, Lucia Cha, Priscilla Chou; and significant endowment support from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

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