An Occasion for the Arts Artist-in-Residence Project:
James River Elementary, Interactive Mosaic Garden
An Occasion for the Arts invites applications from artists who want to work with children at James River Elementary School, Williamsburg, VA to transform the space outside the art room into an outdoor learning space with an interactive mosaic garden featuring components created by James River Elementary’s students.
The AOFTA Artist in Residence program offers a unique opportunity for an artist with an interest in a short term collaboration with the art teacher and children to create a hands-on project for all the students (grades K-5) / 470 students: Grades K-2 = 235, Grades 3-5 = 235
Artist in Residence Receives
- $5,000 Stipend
- Material costs (pre-approved) will be covered by AOFTA (up to $5,000)
- Featured heavily by AOFTA (social media, print, website, video)
- If applicable, artist is invited to showcase at the 56th An Occasion for the Arts, October 5 - 6th (Discussion with Executive Director)
Timeline
Extended Application Deadline: Friday, February 2nd at 5pm
Program: March 2024 – April 2024 (exact weeks are open to artist availability)
Artist Talks: TBD
Overview
An Occasion for the Arts (AOFTA) is Calling for Artists to submit a proposal to transform the picnic space outside the art room into an outdoor learning space with an interactive mosaic garden featuring components created by James River Elementary’s students.
The current space is an outdoor setting. Adding an installation that is a learning experience will enhance the setting and provide an additional education space for students. This would also be the school’s first and only outside art installation.
Theme
Theme: The mosaic scene(s) would center around the theme of natural Virginia.
This incorporates science learning standards from multiple grade levels to include Virginia resources, habitats, animals, and climates.
Student Participation
Younger grade levels (K,1,2) would contribute mosaic stepping stones as a path moving throughout the space that would highlight different waterways throughout Virginia. Older grade levels (3, 4, 5) would contribute to the mural mosaics.
Details & Materials
Details & Materials: The mural will need to be broken into two free-standing sections that will need to be constructed and anchored into the ground. Materials need to be appropriate for an outdoor environment in the elements as there is little covering/shade in the space.
• 2 Free Standing Sections (double sided approximately 6’ long x 4’ tall)
• Mosaic stepping stone path between the sections
• The students work regularly with clay and the Art teacher envisions clay mosaic components however an alternative mosaic approach will be considered
The Artist proposal should schedule two weeks for students to create their projects plus an additional week for installation. Installation depending on time and weather can be scheduled after the art is completed but before the end of May. Any glazing can be managed by the art teacher with input from the artist.
Applicants
Eligible applicants will live in WJCC and as far as Upper York County.
AOFTA will provide the Artist in Residence with a $5,000 stipend and will cover material costs up to $5,000. In addition, the artist will be featured at the 2024 An Occasion for the Arts. If the artist would like to showcase their art at AOFTA - details will be discussed with AOFTA and the artist about placement and what the artist will be showcasing. The timeline for this project is two weeks, first week to work with the children and second week for installation.
Applicants must be eligible to work in a school and will be required to go through a background check as required by the school. The applying artist must live in the Virginia Peninsula and be able to drive to the school for the two week residency and installation.
Artist Requirements
• Develop a cohesive and compelling proposal on creating an outdoor learning space with an interactive mosaic garden featuring components created by James River Elementary’s students.
• Develop a timeline for completion of the project within the assigned time.
• Develop a budget for material costs to be approved by AOFTA
• Communicate with the art teacher about the project at least one month prior to start
date and as needed
• Oversee exhibition design and installation
• Be available for two AOFTA Artist in Resident talks for sponsors and donors.
• Take photos and video of the work in progress to be used for public relations materials in support of the project, such as press releases, website + social media content, and print media
The AOFTA Artist in Residence Program provides students and teachers with practical, hands-on experience at a community arts project. It’s designed to support a broad spectrum of ideas and artistic approaches.
Application
Applicants need a proposal to create an outdoor learning space with an interactive mosaic garden featuring components created by James River Elementary’s students. Send your proposal to [email protected] using the header - Artist in Residence Proposal.
Submission Requirements
1. Proposal
2. CV
3. Evidence of past collaborative projects: Up to 10 still images with your name, title, year, medium and descriptive information
+ Supporting PDF documents
Selection Panel
Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools: Coordinator of Fine Arts, Art Teacher from James River Elementary School and School Board Member.
AOFTA: Executive Director, Youth Art Coordinator or other designees, and Vice President.
