Inside an unassuming red bag lies something extraordinary: the power to transform an ordinary classroom into an art gallery, a creative studio, and a window to the world. For 50 years, these distinctive red bags have been carried into Monmouth-Roseville classrooms by dedicated volunteers with a simple mission—to ensure every child experiences the joy of art.

"There is no wrong answer," says Jonalyn Heaton, who has served as an Art Presenter for 26 years. This philosophy forms the foundation of a remarkable program that predates even the Buchanan Center for the Arts where it now makes its home.

The story begins in 1973 when two local women, Lila Bloom and Jan DeYoung, recognized a critical gap in their children's education—there was no art program in district schools. Working through the American Association of University Women, they developed an innovative solution: a traveling art program that would bring reproductions of masterworks, original pieces by local artists, and hands-on projects directly to students.

"They created the curriculum for us," explains Sarah Mayfield, who now coordinates the program. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a sophisticated educational initiative serving approximately 60 classrooms across area schools each month from October through May.

The program's strength lies in its volunteer-driven model. Each month, about 55 community members—parents, grandparents, retired teachers, and other arts enthusiasts—visit their assigned classrooms carrying those signature red bags containing carefully curated artworks and lesson materials.

"Most people just have one classroom," notes Amy McKenna, a retired teacher who, like Jonalyn, volunteers in multiple classrooms. "It's just we love it so much, we do more than one."

Inside each bag is an original or reproduction artwork, along with folders containing artist background information, discussion questions, and project ideas. A teacher's locker at the Buchanan Center holds all the necessary supplies—paper, paints, and other materials—most donated through grants from Dick Blick Art Supplies in nearby Galesburg.

What makes the program unique is its accessibility—for both students and volunteers. "I am not artistic in any way," Jonalyn admits, "but I love kids and want to see them get involved. I don't have to be an artist to be an Art Presenter, and the kids don't have to be artistic to enjoy Art Presenter."

The approach is intentionally inclusive. Presenters begin with simple observations—asking children to identify colors or shapes in the artwork—ensuring every child can participate successfully. From there, they introduce more sophisticated concepts like texture, perspective, and artistic techniques, all while incorporating information about the artist's life and cultural context.

"We can kind of insert little art terms," Jonalyn explains. "Like the horizon... we talk about shapes, and they find shapes in the painting, they find lines, texture."

After discussing the artwork, students create their own projects inspired by what they've seen. "What we like to do with that project is kind of get them started," Amy says. "But then let them be creative in their project."

For Sarah, who began as a presenter in her son's kindergarten class before taking on coordination duties five years ago, the program offers benefits beyond artistic education. "I love this program as a parent because I get to know my kids in the classroom, I get to know their teachers, I get to know their peers," she shares.

The logistical challenges are considerable. Each month, Sarah and Amy physically move artworks between schools according to a complex rotation schedule, ensuring every grade experiences different pieces throughout the year. They're constantly recruiting volunteers and working to ensure no classroom goes without this enriching experience.

In a diverse community where many languages are spoken, art provides a universal form of communication and connection. "The Art Presenter program is so important to students because it opens them to a whole new perspective on life," Sarah reflects. "Learning to appreciate art, to pay attention to all the details and understand what the artist is trying to say, encourages creativity and curiosity."

For Jonalyn, the program has come full circle in the most meaningful way. She served as the Art Presenter in her daughter Alison's classes from kindergarten through sixth grade. Today, Alison is a first-grade teacher at Lincoln Early Childhood, and Jonalyn continues their shared journey as the Art Presenter in her daughter's classroom.

As the red bags continue their monthly journeys through Monmouth-Roseville schools, Lila Bloom and Jan DeYoung's vision endures—proof that sometimes the most valuable educational tools aren't found in textbooks or technology, but in the passionate hearts of community volunteers determined to share the transformative power of art.