Hi Boosterprez! My son's school has held Arts Day for at least the last 8 years. It's an all day event, usually the first Firday in April. The day usually begins with an Opening Ceremony/assembly which includes a speech from the principal and entertainment (past performers have been story tellers, magicians, Elvis impersonator, dance troupes, etc.)
During the day, students participate in three grade appropriate activities, one lead by a professional artist and two lead by parent volunteers.
Lunch time is extended. The cafeteria saves time by having sack lunches that day. Recess is extended and outdoor activities include a DJ, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, mosaic tile making, hand print mural painting and such.
The day ends with a closing ceremony. The principal thanks the artists, committee, volunteers, teachers. Then more entertainment - music troupes, improv group, jazz bands and such.
For Arts Day, the students all wear either a special t-shirt they buy at cost (approximately $5) or a plain white t-shirt they decorate themselves. At lunchtime/recess "Shirt Signing" is a favorite activity. All the kids carry Sharpie markers and run around collecting autographs. (NOTE: Autographs ONLY - no other words, pictures, drawings, etc because it got out of hand.... You can imagine.....)
This is a huge event for our school. It involves a Chairman, sub-committee chairmen, dozens of professional artists and probably 100+ parent volunteers. The committee begins over the summer and works hard all the way through to April. Since it's an annual event for us, the chairman often books favorite artists/acts for the next year right away.
