Annual Elementary Art Exhibit -Opening Reception

Well, it has been a while since I posted student projects because the Art Show has consumed my life for the past few weeks.  Well worth it though!  March 22 was our opening reception for the Annual Elementary Art Exhibit.  It was a fabulous evening!  Thank you to all of the parents, grandparents, students, teachers and community members for coming out to support our children and the arts.

I would guess that we had over 400 people come through the exhibit.  Our fundraiser for the permanent art collection went very well also.  My colleagues designed an awesome t-shirt featuring replicas of famous works (altered a bit of course).  Students and parents could pre-order the shirts at the openings.  Shirts will be delivered in school and the students will have an opportunity to hand-color their shirts with fabric markers.  I can't wait to see how each child colors his/her shirt.  All will be so different and wonderful.  I will post pictures of those once we have them of course.

With my recent posts I have really been focused on the issues concerning the state budget and furloughs.  As this continues to stress me and my colleagues and news comes out daily about our surrounding districts cutting programs and teachers I can't help but think about a comment my sister made to me.  In response to the exhibit she said, "Holy moley the turn out was huge!!! Very nice show!!! Well done!!! How in the world can schools start cutting art when you look at all that and how many proud parents came to see their children's work???"

I hope that parents, children and community members will recall the joy and pride that the students experienced when they came to show off their art work.   Even some of the students who act as though art isn't cool or it is not something they are interested in were proud to show off what they had created.  Art, music, library --all of these so called "extras" help our children become well rounded, creative, diverse individuals who in turn become outstanding, productive citizens. Please help keep the arts in our schools!  Visit the following link and tell our leaders how important art is to you and your children:

http://www.artsusa.org/get_involved/advocate.asp

The following links give additional information about how the arts help promote academics, staying in school and  thinking outside of the box.

http://www.artsusa.org/pdf/get_involved/advocacy/research/2010/artsed_involvement2010.pdf

http://www.artsusa.org/pdf/get_involved/advocacy/research/2010/artsed_cogdev2010.pdf

http://www.artsusa.org/pdf/get_involved/advocacy/research/2010/ready_innovate2010.pdf

Here are some photos of the reception and the art work.  Enjoy!

Art Advocacy

I posted the Ten Lessons the Arts Teach yesterday.  As each day brings devastating news regarding the state budget and funding I continue to worry.  Perhaps as art teachers we need to learn to be better advocates of the arts. 

Within my classroom I try on a daily basis to emphasize the importance of the arts and make connections to other subject areas.  I wonder if our students understand the importance of the arts and how it touches their lives on a daily basis?  I'm not just talking about the visual arts but performing arts as well. 

Every thing we use on a daily basis is touched by an artist.  Every product you purchase is created by an artist. Your shampoo bottle, your towels, your furniture, your clothing, your jewelry, your Wii games.....  Someone out there is the creative person who has spent time designing and creating all of the things. Imagine a movie, a television show, a PSP game that didn't have music.We need art and music in our classrooms and  in our schools.  Children need art. 

I was a child who struggled in academics.  I always did well but it was with extra effort and time.  I am grateful for the dedication of my parents and teachers for pushing me, encouraging me and helping me.  Art was my creative outlet;  it was the reason I went to school.  I knew that if I made it through my other classes that I could spend some time painting, drawing, throwing pots.  Without my art classes I wonder how well I would have done in school. 

For more information on Art Education please visit:
http://www.artsusa.org/networks/arts_education/arts_education_001.asp