180 Days Exhibit Opening

On September 9th Youth in Arts Gallery had its opening reception for

180 Days: A Year in the Classroom,

an exhibition of drawings from the teaching journal of YIA Mentor Artist,

Brooke Toczylowski.

The artist, Brooke Toczylowski, responds to questions from young viewers during the opening. The youth asked questions like, “Did it really say that on the classroom door- is this true?” and “Why did you decide to do it like that?”

Each drawing represents one school day during the 2010-11 school year, during which time Toczylowski worked as an arts specialist with Youth in Arts in the Sausalito Marin City School District.

Teachers from both Bayside and Willow Creek came to the opening and discussed the work together.

Toczylowski taught grades K-5 at both the regular public school, Bayside Elementary, and the charter school, Willow Creek Academy, which reside on the same campus. The black-and-white ink drawings explore the personal and political experiences of a teacher working in a diverse community. From the small, inspiring moments of working directly with students to challenging situations that highlight the social and racial inequities prevalent in schools, Toczylowski gives us glimpses of the 21st century American classroom.

A student and parent peruse the process books, which document the arts learning experiences in the classroom.

Toczylowski’s artist statement discusses the importance of reflection in the life of a teacher and how this journal was her forum for processing her experiences.

Viewers are invited to share their own comments about the show, education, or specifically about their favorite teacher(s).

Student work is exhibited through process books that document the students’ arts learning experiences. Using student quotes, photos, and tangible examples, these books make visible the student-centered curriculum YIA encourages in the classroom.
By displaying Mentor Artist and student work together YIA intends to show the influence that professional artists can have in K-12 education.

The exhibit is open through November 5th.

Closing: Saturday, Nov. 5, 4-7 pm
Visit the Youth in Arts Gallery Monday through Friday 11-2 or by appointment (415-457-4878).