Picture Parent Program County-wide program sponsored by Crawford County Arts The Picture Lady Program (now Picture Parent Program) began in January 1990 when Kathy Bonaventura asked the Crawford County Council for the Arts (now Crawford County Arts) to sponsor the program in the area schools. A pilot program was done in one third grade classroom in each of the schools -- Robinson, Palestine, Oblong, and Hutsonville. Three pictures were presented that spring and the students along with the teachers were very receptive. The next school year the program expanded to all third and fourth grades in those schools with funding from the Illinois Arts Council. Kathy moved in the winter of 1991. Through a donation from Kathy and here husband Peter, along with a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, the program grew to include first through fifth grades for the 1991/1992 school year. In the fall of 1993 the program was expanded to include New Hebron Christian School. The program is an art appreciation project not to replace, but to enhance, the art classes received in the schools. The students in each grade enjoy six pictures each year presented in the months of October, November, January, February, March, and April. The pictures represent works of master artists such as Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Renoir. The volunteers enlighten the students with the pictures and activities such as drawing a picture, writing a poem, acting out the pictures, playing related games, etc. In the beginning the volunteers were mothers of students from the classroom. As time goes by -- perhaps because more mothers work -- dads, grandparents, and community members at large have volunteered. The program has a coordinator for each school who is responsible for getting volunteers for each classroom (1st-5th) in each school. This involves approximately 70 volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Valinda Deckard at (618-592-4860). She will be happy to explain what is involved in becoming a part of this wonderful program.