How to Host a Partners in Art Project

PIA Project Steps

The Partners in Art program provides parents with the opportunity to lead their child’s class through art projects inspired by famous artists. Projects consist of two basic parts: (1) an overview of the artist and (2) a hands-on art activity related to the artist’s style.

No experience is needed and we have all the resources you need! Check out a more detailed breakdown of how to set everything up below.

  1. Sign up for the project in your child’s classroom that works best for your schedule with the Partners in Art Sign-Up Form. There are 3 volunteer spots per project. If your child is in the DLP program, they will have the opportunity to join all PIA projects in their integration classroom – so please sign up for that classroom’s slot!
  2. Peruse the Artist Resource Page to get ideas for your assigned artist. Each page includes a link to a Prezi presentation, an accompanying script for the presentation, more info about the artist, and project ideas. Please note – these are just suggestions! While we recommend spending some time going over the assigned artist with the class, you are free to follow whatever format works for you.
  3. Contact your fellow presenters to plan your project. You can find emails in DirectorySpot.
  4. Contact your child’s teacher to find a day and time to present the project within the two-month window listed in the sign-up sheet. Projects typically last anywhere from 45 – 75 minutes depending on classroom schedules and parent availability.
  5. A couple weeks before your presentation, visit the red Partners in Art cabinets outside of the gym to check supplies. The cabinet lock codes are 1435. If you need any supplies that are not in the cabinets, please contact Sabrina Bauer or Anne Kulick. There are also copies of artwork next to the cabinets that can be used as examples during presentations.
  6. Have fun on the day of your project! The kids absolutely love Partners in Art days. If you are able to take any pictures during the project, please feel free to send them our way!

PIA Cabinets Located Outside the Gym

PIA Presentation List

Presentation and project ideas for each PIA artist are included below. 

GradeOct – NovJan – FebMar – Apr
KindergartenVincent Van GoghBernardo MartorellGeorges Seurat
1stSuit of ArmorKerry James MarshallMary Cassatt
2ndPablo PicassoHenri MatisseGrant Wood
3rdRene MagritteEdward HopperFrank Lloyd Wright
4thJoan MiroClaude MonetTosa Mitsuoki
5thFrida KahloMichelangeloJackson Pollock*
6thGustave KlimtGreek UrnJackson Pollock*

*Please note: For the 2025-2026 school year, the final project for both the 5th and 6th grades will be Jackson Pollock. It is up to the parent volunteers to decide if and how to combine the classes for the project.

For more helpful prompts that can be used during all presentations, visit: General PIA Presentation Questions.