The Mariposa County Arts Council has an Arts Coordinator contract with the MCUSD to support the Mariposa County Office of Education’s Strategic Arts Education Plan. Part of this contract is providing art related professional development for teachers. Below is some information about some upcoming creative PD opportunities that we will be offering in the near future.
Open Arts Night casual workshop series
Monthly on 3rd Wednesdays / 3:30 – 5:00pm
Creekside Terrace Community Room
Our Open Arts Night program offers free monthly workshops for MCUSD teachers and staff to gather after school and experiment with a new art form. The workshops are facilitated by local teaching artists, and meant to be a fun and casual space to get creative and connect with community.
Signing up is not required to attend, however we appreciate one week of advance notice to ensure there are enough supplies. Let us know which workshops you plan to attend by filling out the sign-up form, or by emailing Andra at kovacs@mariposaartscouncil.org
Introduction to Music Curriculum for TK – 8th Grade
Fall/ Winter 2025
Individual in-classroom sessions with Ava Burns
Music educator Ava Burns has developed a new articulated TK-8th grade standards-aligned curriculum focused on inspiring students to use music to express themselves and giving them the skills and vocabulary to do so. She will bring the first lesson to your classroom and guide you through delivering the rest of the curriculum.
Introduction to Visual Arts Curriculum for TK – 8th Grade
Coming Spring 2026
Offered by Cara Goger and local teaching artists
Arts educator Cara Goger has developed a new articulated TK-8th grade standards-aligned curriculum presenting a variety of visual arts media in concert with other core academic subjects. The curriculum provides an easy access point for classroom teachers to fold visual arts engagement and making into their existing curriculum. Cara and local teaching artists will provide structured PD and be available for follow up assistance.
Visual Art Kits
On-campus demonstration and distribution with Erica Wolfsen
Local teaching artist Erica Wolfsen has put together a series of stand alone art lesson plans and corresponding supply kits for visual arts, available for free to teachers. The lessons teach themselves– no art experience required! She will host a brief on-site demonstration and distribution of the kits at each school site.
For more information and to schedule visits to your classrooms, please contact Andra Kovacs at kovacs@mariposaartscouncil.org
