We’ve known for a long time that regular arts education for elementary school kids can spark incredible creativity. Unfortunately, art programs are often among the first to be cut when school budgets get tight. For more than 50 years, however, a dedicated group of volunteer docents at the San Jose Museum of Art have worked tirelessly to keep the arts accessible to students across classrooms—doing their part, and probably ours, too.
Toby Fernald, Saratoga resident and former trustee for the museum, began volunteering in 1986. She, along with other longtime docents like Rich Karson, Jeff Bordona, and Bill Faulkner, sees this work as much more than just something to do in retirement.
> “We have remained involved because we love the museum, see its great value in the community, and believe in art as an integral part of all human beings which we wish to nurture,” said Fernald, who also taught elementary school in Sunnyvale in the 1970s before her two sons were born.
**A Legacy of Arts Education**
Let’s Look at Art launched in 1972, just a few years after the museum opened its doors. Initially, docents used art prints to present lessons to fourth- and fifth-graders. The program soon expanded to include students from kindergarten through fifth grade. In the mid-1990s, Fernald was part of a group that introduced Art in the Dark, using slide projectors to make presentations to middle-school classes.
By the turn of the century, the program had gone digital—greatly expanding its potential subjects and including high school classes as well. In 2023, Fernald and fellow docent Tony Misch accepted the Cornerstone of the Arts Creative Impact Award from the city of San Jose, with the program having reached over 1 million students in its five decades.
That’s a tremendous achievement, but there are always more potential students than volunteers. As docents retire, move away, or become less available, it’s essential to recruit new participants. That’s why Fernald is encouraging community members to attend “A Day in the Life of a Docent,” a special event for those interested in getting involved with SJMA’s education programs—in the gallery or in classrooms.
**Get Involved!**
The museum is particularly hoping to recruit more bilingual docents fluent in Spanish, but everyone is welcome, and no prior art experience is required.
“A Day in the Life of a Docent” takes place on November 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. For more information or to RSVP, visit [sjmusart.org/event/day-life-docent-2025](https://sjmusart.org/event/day-life-docent-2025).
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### Creative Gathering: “Creative Stories: As Told by the People of San Jose”
San Jose’s 2025 team of Creative Ambassadors are making history by coming together to organize **“Creative Stories: As Told by the People of San Jose,”** a collective exhibition opening November 7 at the Citadel Art Gallery (199 Martha St).
The opening reception begins at 5 p.m. and will showcase yearlong projects—including zines, collages, photographs, paintings, and community-driven initiatives—from five artists:
– Photographer Miguel Ozuna
– Painter & comic book artist Julie Cardenas
– More Más Marami Arts founder Matt Casey
– Mixed-media artist Steven Rubalcaba
– Educator and artist Jessica Gutierrez
The exhibition is open through November 23.
On November 8, Jessica Gutierrez will host **“MOM: Mosaic of Motherhood,”** the capstone event to their project “For the Mamas,” which provided free art workshops for mothers and their children. This event runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at Noble Gallery, 500 S. Almaden Blvd., with the exhibition continuing through November 29.
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### Artistic Tribute: Honoring Olga Enciso Smith
Los Gatos resident Olga Enciso Smith, now in her early 80s, continues her work to preserve Latin American artistic traditions in Santa Clara Valley. Machu Picchu Gallery of the Americas—which the Peru native founded in 1974—has been central to this mission.
The gallery is celebrating her life and legacy on November 7 with a special event inside the Citadel on Martha Street. The highlight of the evening, from 5 to 7 p.m., is a Dia de los Muertos ofrenda created by Smith and her son, Brian M. Smith. The tribute includes marigolds, corn stalks, candles, gourds, and handmade skeleton figures. Olga Enciso Smith will lead a remembrance ceremony, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the memories of family and friends who have passed.
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*Do you love the arts? Share your experiences or get involved—these programs thrive because of passionate volunteers and community support!*
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/06/san-jose-museum-of-art-volunteers-help-art-come-alive-for-students/
