1: Is Meet the Masters assembly or classroom based?
A: Actually, it is both. Meet the Masters teaches art appreciation through multimedia presentations. The children learn about the lives and works of master artists through their masterpieces via PowerPoint, large colored and laminated prints, props, games, dress ups, and voices and music of the historical era. It is highly motivational and always age appropriate, with 4 age levels. There is additional instruction in the classroom with our proven technique packets that reinforce the style of the artist before the children start the art activity.
This 3-Step learning process has proven to be very comprehensive and successful. Since 1985, over 2 million students have been taught and no school has returned the product. 100% of the schools have been satisfied and many have purchased multiple tracks.
2: Who should teach Meet the Masters in the classroom?
A: Meet the Masters can be taught by an art instructor, school staff, parent volunteers or any combination of the above. Each artist unit offers step-by-step instructions for all 3 steps of the curriculum. In addition, we offer training DVDs for both teachers and volunteers to get you up to speed fast. It can be taught by parents or teachers at their school or Meet the Master teachers can be hired in certain Southern California counties.
3: How do I know the lessons are age appropriate and successful?
A: A team of experienced art teachers, lead by a credentialed elementary teacher, work on the development of all lessons. When fine-tuned, the lessons are then classroom tested in the corresponding grade levels. If changes are needed, editing is done, and it is classroom tested again until we are assured of an optimum and enjoyable learning experience for all ability levels. Be sure to read testimonials from parents and teachers and view our student art gallery.
4: What art supplies can be purchased from Meet the Masters vs. supplied by the school?
A: Please review these PDFs to learn what schools can purchase versus what they can supply. Note that MTM does not supply paper, glue or scissors.
- PDF of art supplies that schools can purchase from Meet the Masters (supplies are purchased separately from curriculum)
- PDF of art supplies that schools are required to provide
- PDF of paper requirements that schools are required to provide
5: What are the Artist Units for the first Track/Year (Track A)?
A: Track A Artist Units: Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Winslow Homer, Mary Cassatt, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso and M.C. Escher. View Artists In Tracks A – E. Your school can start with any track, but most schools choose Track A. See all 5 Tracks here.
We selected these Masters for their exciting artwork, unique lives, style of art, and the elements dominant in their artwork (color, texture, balance, rhythm, value, line, pattern, etc. ) The children learn and use these elements and styles in their own artwork. The results are outstanding and memorable! View MTM Art Gallery.
6: Does the Meet the Masters curriculum adhere to the State Visual and Performing Arts Framework?
A: Many states share the same framework requirements for the arts. Click here to see a complete listing of how our curriculum is integrated with the California state standards for all grade levels.
7: What comes packaged with the Meet the Masters curriculum?
A: There are 5 tracks (A-E) that include 7 artists in each track for a total of 35 artists. Each track includes an implementation guide with step-by-step instructions, PowerPoint slides, visual aids, art prints, game props and vocabulary words. Educator training DVDs and art supplies for classrooms are sold separately. If you buy an individual artist unit, it comes with by-step instructions, PowerPoint slides, visual aids, art prints, game props and vocabulary words.
8: How long does it take to prep and teach the 3 steps of the program for each artist?
A: Times may vary depending on class size and artist, but here is a general breakdown of each step and how long it takes to prep and implement it:
- Step 1: Introducing the Masters (Assemblies): Takes about an hour to get familiar with the slides (images) and script. Allow 20-45 minutes to implement in the assembly with the students.
- Step 2: Learning from the Masters (Technique Packets): Takes about 20 minutes to review and prep by making copies for each child. Allow 15-30 minutes to implement in the classroom with the students.
- Step 3: Working with the Masters (Art Projects): Takes about 1 hour to make a sample project before teaching it. Plan to spend an additional hour prepping supplies as detailed in the curriculum binder. Allow 50-60 minutes to implement in the classroom with the students.
9: How does Meet the Masters select artists?
A: We have been researching and refining our art curriculum for over 25 years. We provide art enrichment on multi-cultural artists that meet the following items:
- Significance in art history
- Representation of major periods in art
- Interest and appropriateness for children
- Art elements to be introduced and explored
10: How do schools typically fund Meet the Masters?
A: Schools use varying sources to fund the program:
- PTA / PTO
- School District
- Grants (museums, corporations and foundations)
- Fundraising
- Individual Donations
- State Department of Education
11: Why implement Meet the Masters at your school?
It’s Proven:
Art education can improve students’ scores in core subjects up to 20%. Since 1985, over 2 million students have been taught and no school has returned the product. 100% of the schools have been satisfied and many have purchased multiple tracks.
It’s Easy:
No art background needed to teach. Simple step-by-step curriculum. We’ve done the work for you!
It’s Fun:
Kids love the artist voices, interactive assemblies with costumes, era music, hundreds of images, and creating their own masterpieces!
It’s Age-Appropriate:
3-4 Difficulty Levels based on learning capabilities assure a perfect fit for each and every student.
Kindergarten
Beginner: Grades 1 – 2
Intermediate: Grades 3 – 4
Advanced: Grades 5 – 8+
Over the course of five years (view artists in tracks A – E.) a student learns from 35 artists, while steadily advancing in artistic skills and vocabulary.
12: I’m ready to learn more, how can I contact Meet the Masters?
A: For additional questions or to place an order, please click here.
