Art Ark

The Crocker's Art Ark, a mobile art education center designed for students in Pre-K through 8th grades, brings original works of art and art activities to schools throughout the region. On the road since 1980, the Art Ark is distinguished in the nation as one of the first mobile art museums, and one of the few including hands-on learning.

Current Installation
The 2011-12 academic year is the last chance to experience the theme Building Imagination: The Art of Architecture, which was launched to celebrate the opening of the 125,000-square-foot Teel Family Pavilion on October 10, 2010. Students examine the history of architecture, the relationship between art and design, and how architecture reflects time, place, and community ideals.

The Art Ark at Your School
Each classroom (K-8 up to 32 students) will take a one-hour guided tour of the Art Ark. During this tour, students will discuss the architectural timeline and explore interactive learning stations. All stations are designed to be self-directed for students, parents and teachers.

Prior to the arrival of the Art Ark, the Crocker's Community Engagement Coordinator will host an orientation meeting for teachers at the school site. Each teacher will receive the Art Ark Curriculum Guide, which contains descriptions of the artworks and activities on the Art Ark, as well as pre- and post-visit lesson plans. All lessons are written to correlate to the California State Content Standards in Language Arts, Social Studies and Visual Arts.

An Open House event may also be scheduled for an additional $150. This option allows students, parents, and staff to enjoy the Art Ark after school or during the evening for 90 minutes. If an Open House is scheduled, one on-site school staff member is required for the duration of the event.