2004 Student Artwork Gallery

Funded by

 

INTRODUCTION

The seventh successful year of the "California History and Art" program for fourth graders featured two exciting new components - a field trip to the new Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park - arranged in cooperation with the city of Carlsbad - and a unique on-site Art Stop. Because the Park had only opened in August 2003 it was mutually determined that the first round of field trips should be considered a pilot project and the number of visitation dates was limited to 21 classes from December through April 2004.

These were offered on a first-come-first-served basis to elementary schools within the Carlsbad Unified District system plus St. Patrick's School (Carlsbad) and Carrillo Elementary (San Marcos District), the latter located immediately adjacent to the Park.

Thus, 21 classes from eight schools encompassing about 700 students were true pioneers, creating a valuable learning experience for the teachers, parent-chaperones, Park staff and the Friends Board of Directors. Based on observations offered by the participating parties and the city's continuing cooperation, it is hoped the program can be expanded by 50% for 2004/05 and perhaps still further in succeeding years.

There is never a charge assessed by the Friends upon any school or student. Private sector donors and Friends members cover all expenses associated with the art portion of the program.

HOW IT WORKS

Prior to a scheduled field trip a class receives detailed information on Leo Carrillo - including his career and life of public service - and the history of the Rancho de Los Kiotes via a 12-minute video produced by the Friends. The subsequent 90 minute field trip is conducted by docent-volunteers recruited and trained by the Park staff. At the conclusion of the trip the group is directed to the historic Carriage House which the staff has temporarily converted to an open air classroom. This is called the "Art Stop."

A professional art instructor provided by the Friends presents instruction on pencil sketching techniques. (Consumable art materials are also furnished by the Friends.) The budding young artists are encouraged to set forth preliminary images of a favorite rancho-related spot they had just seen on the tour. This session lasts about 45 minutes. Upon return to school each student receives a souvenir copy of An Introduction To Carrillo Ranch - a 30-page booklet with photos, text, map and one of Leo's poems - published by the Friends.

Within a few days the same art instructor comes to the school campus and conducts a much more comprehensive 2-hour class in which the students "flesh out" their pencil sketch visions through the use of colorful oil pastels. The resulting finished artworks as a group become part of a voluntary competition during which a winner is selected from each class by an independent panel of professional artists. These Best-Of-Class beauties then comprise the "2004 Gallery" to follow below.

In a separate review of the runners-up the city's Volunteer Curator for Carrillo Ranch makes a personal selection of one additional artwork to be designated as the coveted Curator's Choice. This artwork is also included in the 2004 Gallery presentation. Enjoy.

Aviara Oaks

Buena Vista