http://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/article.asp?idart=11859
As I read this article on finding new ways to encourage the arts, my head started to spin. So many different cultural organizations, large and small, vying for consumer attention and money. Those art organizations that do manage to get public funding are attacked when showing controversial subjects. Some so-called artists bring that on themselves when they show a pile of garbage in a corner and call it art.
This article considers a national policy on culture but then likens it to old Soviet-style politics, " you WILL do things our way," not the way to inspire cooperation in freedom-loving Americans.
A simple, umbrella-type organization that catalogs all the little organizations in a searchable database is all that is needed. Search by type (dance, art, writing) or by area (East, Midwest) or by sponsor (company, arts organization) and a policy statement that says it promotes all the arts for people from cradle to grave.
Can a Minstry of Culture work in this country????
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Arts and Cultural Organizations Offering Hurricane Assistance
While current relief efforts focus on immediate health care and survival needs for victims of hurricane Katrina, arts organizations are planning their own relief efforts.
For further information, click here:
http://ww3.artsusa.org/get_involved/membership/katrina/default_001.asp
For further information, click here:
http://ww3.artsusa.org/get_involved/membership/katrina/default_001.asp
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Sears Sold Fine Art?
From the "who knew?" file:
At one time Sears, with the help of old time horror movie star Vincent Price, sold art by Picasso, Chagall, and others. Costco is trying to do that today - well, good luck!
What I like about this quote from the article is the "belief that art is everyone."
You got it.
Still, you can't help but be touched by the faith in middlebrow taste that once inspired the executives of America's best-loved mail-order store to try selling Picassos to their customers, assisted by a genial horror-movie star who shared their belief that art was for everyone. "It's just endless what you can learn from a single work of art," Price once said. "You can fill up the crevices of your life, the cracks of your life, the places where the mortar comes out and falls away--you can fill it up with the love of art." Who's telling us that now?
http://www.opinionjournal.com/la/?id=110007145
At one time Sears, with the help of old time horror movie star Vincent Price, sold art by Picasso, Chagall, and others. Costco is trying to do that today - well, good luck!
What I like about this quote from the article is the "belief that art is everyone."
You got it.
Still, you can't help but be touched by the faith in middlebrow taste that once inspired the executives of America's best-loved mail-order store to try selling Picassos to their customers, assisted by a genial horror-movie star who shared their belief that art was for everyone. "It's just endless what you can learn from a single work of art," Price once said. "You can fill up the crevices of your life, the cracks of your life, the places where the mortar comes out and falls away--you can fill it up with the love of art." Who's telling us that now?
http://www.opinionjournal.com/la/?id=110007145
Thursday, August 25, 2005
If It's Good Enough for Kate Moss...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/magazine/4183556.stm
This article mentions the rise of portraiture despite all the technological advances in photography today that threatens to make painting a lost art. But I've had a lot of fun with graphics created by scanning people's photos and playing with them in Photoshop, even though I still paint.
I'm sure that's what they thought when the camera was first invented and turn of the century artists called those who used the camera as a composition tool "cheaters."
Thanks to celebrities like Kate Moss, it is now trendy to have a portrait done.
I guess whatever helps keep art (and the artists) alive, I'm for it.
This article mentions the rise of portraiture despite all the technological advances in photography today that threatens to make painting a lost art. But I've had a lot of fun with graphics created by scanning people's photos and playing with them in Photoshop, even though I still paint.
I'm sure that's what they thought when the camera was first invented and turn of the century artists called those who used the camera as a composition tool "cheaters."
Thanks to celebrities like Kate Moss, it is now trendy to have a portrait done.
I guess whatever helps keep art (and the artists) alive, I'm for it.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
"If It Doesn't Move, It Gets Painted"
In the "art is my life" category, this group gets high marks for inspiration and enthusiasm. And the quote pulled from this article is definitely T-shirt-worthy.
Armed with paintbrushes and paint of all kinds, the artists take aim at their target: "If it doesn't move, it gets painted," said Carolyn Murphey as she and other members gathered at their usual meeting spot.
In exchange for use of meeting space and facilities at Chamberlayne Heights United Methodist Church, the organization painted murals in the church's Sunday school rooms, transforming white cinder block walls into colorful scenes.
Lancaster and her son, Patrick Welch, guided 23 members through the project, the largest the group has undertaken. In one room, they painted a Noah's Ark, complete with detailed paintings of animals and biblical figures.
"You can look in this room and look in this room and you are going to find things you didn't think were there," Lancaster said.
Among the little discoveries are a person carrying a Ukrop's bag, ants on an ant hill and potatoes in a hole.
Artists painted a nativity scene in a room used for an adult class and a mural of Jesus and children in a preschool room.
"The church absolutely loved it," Moore said. "One kid wrote, 'Every time I come in here, if I'm sad, it makes me happy.'"
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031784387733&path=!flair&s=1045855936229
Armed with paintbrushes and paint of all kinds, the artists take aim at their target: "If it doesn't move, it gets painted," said Carolyn Murphey as she and other members gathered at their usual meeting spot.
In exchange for use of meeting space and facilities at Chamberlayne Heights United Methodist Church, the organization painted murals in the church's Sunday school rooms, transforming white cinder block walls into colorful scenes.
Lancaster and her son, Patrick Welch, guided 23 members through the project, the largest the group has undertaken. In one room, they painted a Noah's Ark, complete with detailed paintings of animals and biblical figures.
"You can look in this room and look in this room and you are going to find things you didn't think were there," Lancaster said.
Among the little discoveries are a person carrying a Ukrop's bag, ants on an ant hill and potatoes in a hole.
Artists painted a nativity scene in a room used for an adult class and a mural of Jesus and children in a preschool room.
"The church absolutely loved it," Moore said. "One kid wrote, 'Every time I come in here, if I'm sad, it makes me happy.'"
http://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031784387733&path=!flair&s=1045855936229
Sunday, August 14, 2005
A Change Is As Good As A Rest
Sorry to be AWOL for the last 10 days or so, but I was on vacation.
I read a lot of creativity books and most of them agree-the same routine day after day dulls the mind. I'm sure most of us don't need to be told that, we know it from experience. And as my grandmother used to say, "a change is as good as a rest!"
So our annual family camping trip to Door County, Wisconsin, was refreshing and inspiring. For those of you that don't know the area, the county is surrounded by Lake Michigan and Green Bay, giving it a highly nautical flavor with charming harbor villages and saturated with galleries and outdoor sports. Camping at Peninsula State Park, where you have to book a site 10 months in advance to get a prime spot, is always entertaining. The theater in the park forest always has a choice of plays or funny musicals (Packer Fans from Outer Space, Lumberjacks in Love) to keep the whole family occupied.
I came back (almost) ready to go back to work and with new ideas to pursue.
And no, I am not a member of the Wisconsin Tourism Board.
I read a lot of creativity books and most of them agree-the same routine day after day dulls the mind. I'm sure most of us don't need to be told that, we know it from experience. And as my grandmother used to say, "a change is as good as a rest!"
So our annual family camping trip to Door County, Wisconsin, was refreshing and inspiring. For those of you that don't know the area, the county is surrounded by Lake Michigan and Green Bay, giving it a highly nautical flavor with charming harbor villages and saturated with galleries and outdoor sports. Camping at Peninsula State Park, where you have to book a site 10 months in advance to get a prime spot, is always entertaining. The theater in the park forest always has a choice of plays or funny musicals (Packer Fans from Outer Space, Lumberjacks in Love) to keep the whole family occupied.
I came back (almost) ready to go back to work and with new ideas to pursue.
And no, I am not a member of the Wisconsin Tourism Board.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Back to School - Do Your Kids Have Art?
I've noticed flyers starting to advertise back to school sales so as your kids go back to school ask yourself - do your kids have art classes?
When budgets are tight one of the first things school boards will cut is your child's art class. Followed closely by your child's music time. Too often, these are thought of as "extras" and the current feeling is that not enough kids are doing well in English and Math so let's cut the "extras" and get down to "basics."
This the wrong thing to do. Children who have art and music routinely do better in school than those who don't and this has been proven time and time again.
What will you do if your child's arts classes are cut?
1. Write to your school board. Don't get nasty, just state the facts. If you need statistics and case studies to back up your arguments Google search arts advocacy or go straight to the Americans for the Arts site and start there by following their links. (See my hot links at the right.)
2. Convince others to write letters and write to your local newspaper. School boards hate bad publicity so keep pushing until you get coverage.
3. Volunteer. There are art programs out there that can be taught in the classroom. They just need the volunteers. The program is furnished, all you have to do is present it to individual classes. The teacher will stay in the classroom with you while you teach (they have to if you're not a trained teacher.) Try it, you'll like it.
When budgets are tight one of the first things school boards will cut is your child's art class. Followed closely by your child's music time. Too often, these are thought of as "extras" and the current feeling is that not enough kids are doing well in English and Math so let's cut the "extras" and get down to "basics."
This the wrong thing to do. Children who have art and music routinely do better in school than those who don't and this has been proven time and time again.
What will you do if your child's arts classes are cut?
1. Write to your school board. Don't get nasty, just state the facts. If you need statistics and case studies to back up your arguments Google search arts advocacy or go straight to the Americans for the Arts site and start there by following their links. (See my hot links at the right.)
2. Convince others to write letters and write to your local newspaper. School boards hate bad publicity so keep pushing until you get coverage.
3. Volunteer. There are art programs out there that can be taught in the classroom. They just need the volunteers. The program is furnished, all you have to do is present it to individual classes. The teacher will stay in the classroom with you while you teach (they have to if you're not a trained teacher.) Try it, you'll like it.
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Walmart Supports the Arts
In general, I hate Walmart. I hate its vendor policies where suppliers are supposed to cut prices to the point where they go out of business. I hate their policy of undercutting the local stores until they go out of business. I hate that they treat their own employees like slaves, paying them minimum wage and expecting them to work overtime for nothing.
Despite all that irritates me about that company, (and I didn't cover all my grievances) I came across this article and thought it worth sharing. If you have made money off the backs of others then you should, at the very least, give something back.
Alice Walton, daughter of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, unveiled plans in May for a $50 million art museum and cultural center to be built within walking distance of downtown Bentonville, Ark., long-time home of the mega-retailer.
Situated on 100 acres donated by the Walton family, the 100,000-sf museum will house galleries, a library, a 250-seat lecture hall, classrooms, and administrative offices. Sculpture gardens, walking trails, and outdoor areas for concerts and public events will interweave the museum buildings, which will showcase Alice Walton's collection of paintings and sculptures by American artists from the American Revolution to the modern era.
Despite all that irritates me about that company, (and I didn't cover all my grievances) I came across this article and thought it worth sharing. If you have made money off the backs of others then you should, at the very least, give something back.
Alice Walton, daughter of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, unveiled plans in May for a $50 million art museum and cultural center to be built within walking distance of downtown Bentonville, Ark., long-time home of the mega-retailer.
Situated on 100 acres donated by the Walton family, the 100,000-sf museum will house galleries, a library, a 250-seat lecture hall, classrooms, and administrative offices. Sculpture gardens, walking trails, and outdoor areas for concerts and public events will interweave the museum buildings, which will showcase Alice Walton's collection of paintings and sculptures by American artists from the American Revolution to the modern era.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Nude Brits
Nothing like a good laugh, and here's one that's art related. (And to my relatives in Newcastle, I apologize...)
About 1,700 men and women have appeared naked in Tyneside in the name of art.
Starting at a chilly 0400 BST, they posed at four locations in Newcastle and Gateshead, donning plastic white ponchos to cross the River Tyne.
New York photographer Spencer Tunick enlisted the volunteers for Naked City, his first large-scale UK installation.
It follows his nude photo shoots in New York, Barcelona, Belgium and Brazil. "There is a sensual element to it, but it's not a sexual experience," he said.
For the whole story, click here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/4689421.stm
About 1,700 men and women have appeared naked in Tyneside in the name of art.
Starting at a chilly 0400 BST, they posed at four locations in Newcastle and Gateshead, donning plastic white ponchos to cross the River Tyne.
New York photographer Spencer Tunick enlisted the volunteers for Naked City, his first large-scale UK installation.
It follows his nude photo shoots in New York, Barcelona, Belgium and Brazil. "There is a sensual element to it, but it's not a sexual experience," he said.
For the whole story, click here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/arts/4689421.stm
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
The Show Must Go On
Difficult to even think of posting anything in view of what's happened in my home country--until I came across this article. I think I should paste this phrase above my computer to remind me to keep the proverbial stiff upper lip and carry on. Because to alter my behavior because of misguided, to say the least, terrorists, would be to acknowledge they have won.
LONDON -- Thursday's terrorist attacks that struck at the heart of London -- causing over 50 deaths and numerous casualties in three bombs on subway trains on the Piccadilly and Circle Lines, plus a city center bus that was entirely destroyed -- inevitably had a knock-on effect on the theatre industry.For the first time since the Blitz during the Second World War, every West End theatre cancelled its performances that day. Several shows that were due to perform matinee performances cancelled those first; then, as the police urged everyone to stay away from central London, evening performances were cancelled, too. All public subway and bus transport in central London was suspended in the immediate wake of the attacks, making it impossible for performers or audiences alike to get to the theatres in any case. Some theatres, like the Royal Court, automatically refunded all patrons who had booked. Others are seeking to exchange tickets for future performances.There were reports of shows outside the West End making an attempt at going ahead as usual, but sometimes in unusual circumstances. At the Arcola, a fringe theatre in North London, for instance, a preview performance of their new production of an adaptation of Raymond Carver short stories entitled "Carver" went ahead, but one actor couldn't get there -- so had to be replaced by someone reading from a script. But the show(s) must go on. On Friday, Richard Pulford -- chief executive of the Society of London Theatre (the West End equivalent of the League of American Theatres and Producers in New York) -- announced, "Like the rest of London, theatre people will not be intimidated by terrorism. They are absolutely determined that life shall go on as normal. Tonight they will take to our stages, man our box offices and care for our audiences as they always have. London is the theatre capital of the world and will remain so despite yesterday's atrocities."
http://www.backstage.com/backstage/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000976775
LONDON -- Thursday's terrorist attacks that struck at the heart of London -- causing over 50 deaths and numerous casualties in three bombs on subway trains on the Piccadilly and Circle Lines, plus a city center bus that was entirely destroyed -- inevitably had a knock-on effect on the theatre industry.For the first time since the Blitz during the Second World War, every West End theatre cancelled its performances that day. Several shows that were due to perform matinee performances cancelled those first; then, as the police urged everyone to stay away from central London, evening performances were cancelled, too. All public subway and bus transport in central London was suspended in the immediate wake of the attacks, making it impossible for performers or audiences alike to get to the theatres in any case. Some theatres, like the Royal Court, automatically refunded all patrons who had booked. Others are seeking to exchange tickets for future performances.There were reports of shows outside the West End making an attempt at going ahead as usual, but sometimes in unusual circumstances. At the Arcola, a fringe theatre in North London, for instance, a preview performance of their new production of an adaptation of Raymond Carver short stories entitled "Carver" went ahead, but one actor couldn't get there -- so had to be replaced by someone reading from a script. But the show(s) must go on. On Friday, Richard Pulford -- chief executive of the Society of London Theatre (the West End equivalent of the League of American Theatres and Producers in New York) -- announced, "Like the rest of London, theatre people will not be intimidated by terrorism. They are absolutely determined that life shall go on as normal. Tonight they will take to our stages, man our box offices and care for our audiences as they always have. London is the theatre capital of the world and will remain so despite yesterday's atrocities."
http://www.backstage.com/backstage/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000976775
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Percentage for Art Programs
While the requirements vary in communities that support public art displays, a typical financial commitment is about 1 percent. Sarasota County allocates .85 percent from its capital improvement budget for public art at new and existing government facilities.
I took this from an article discussing Sarasota County, Florida's, requirement that developers pay a percentage of their fees to fund public art.
Some may feel government is forcing culture down people's throats. Others, like me, feel that why not make our public surroundings as beautiful and as interesting as possible? If you live in a suburb of a major metropolitan area like I do where developers are down at the bottom of the popularity list as those that desecrate farm land for cookie-cutter houses, then why not force them to donate a percentage of their huge profits for the public good?
Some areas call this type of deal a "Percentage for Art" program. If you have a program like this in your area, please let me know how it works for your community.
For the rest of the article, click here:
http://www.venicegondolier.com/NewsArchive3/070305/vn4.htm
I took this from an article discussing Sarasota County, Florida's, requirement that developers pay a percentage of their fees to fund public art.
Some may feel government is forcing culture down people's throats. Others, like me, feel that why not make our public surroundings as beautiful and as interesting as possible? If you live in a suburb of a major metropolitan area like I do where developers are down at the bottom of the popularity list as those that desecrate farm land for cookie-cutter houses, then why not force them to donate a percentage of their huge profits for the public good?
Some areas call this type of deal a "Percentage for Art" program. If you have a program like this in your area, please let me know how it works for your community.
For the rest of the article, click here:
http://www.venicegondolier.com/NewsArchive3/070305/vn4.htm
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Live 8 Concerts
I just couldn't let this weekend pass without commenting on the Live 8 concerts.
Marketing departments and non-profit organizations have long known the power of celebrity endorsements to bring recognition to their product or cause. The trick is to choose the right celebrity, the one whose personal life doesn't eclipse what you're trying to promote.
So, as an arts advocate, a baby boomer, and a transplanted Brit, I say, "you rock!" to Sir Elton, Sir Paul, Bono and Geldoff.
Happy Fourth of July to all my friends and family on both sides of the Atlantic.
Marketing departments and non-profit organizations have long known the power of celebrity endorsements to bring recognition to their product or cause. The trick is to choose the right celebrity, the one whose personal life doesn't eclipse what you're trying to promote.
So, as an arts advocate, a baby boomer, and a transplanted Brit, I say, "you rock!" to Sir Elton, Sir Paul, Bono and Geldoff.
Happy Fourth of July to all my friends and family on both sides of the Atlantic.
Friday, July 01, 2005
The Price of Theater Tickets
We have two honest-to-goodness theaters within 15 miles of my house, both historic places. The Woodstock Opera house is partially city-owned and most of the attractions are local theater groups. The Raue Theater attracts more national acts but at Chicago prices. I would love to go to the theater more, but prices make it a rare occasion.
Contrast that with Northern Illinois University’s Orchestra, Jazz Band and, of all things, an internationally respected Steel Drums Band. During the school year you can often get into shows for free or at nominal rates. Just 45 minutes from my house I would rather go there than Chicago.
On the other hand, maybe theaters would get more of an audience if they did what the Signature Theater is doing:
The Signature Theater Company, the Off Broadway troupe known for devoting entire seasons to a single playwright, has laid out its plans for its 15th-anniversary season. It will include a new play by August Wilson, old plays by August Wilson and a one-man show by August Wilson, starring August Wilson.
But perhaps its most interesting element - besides Mr. Wilson, of course - is its other constant: a $15 ticket for each and every seat.
The deal, announced yesterday by the company's artistic director, James Houghton, is a result of a three-year courtship between the Signature and Time Warner, which is underwriting the tickets.
"Time Warner's major philanthropic goal is to make arts accessible," Mr. Houghton said. "And we have always felt there's a kind of civic responsibility to make theater affordable."
At $15 the Signature tickets will run about the price of a movie and soda. (And a small soda at that.) Most Off Broadway companies, looking at declines in corporate, public and private giving, have steadily raised prices in recent years, with seats now regularly going for $50 or more. (The Signature generally charges $55.) On Broadway, orchestra seats commonly go for $100, while premium tickets can reach nearly $500.
The deal was met with admiration among other nonprofit leaders, who usually rely on ticket sales to provide at least half of their yearly budgets.
For the rest of the article, click here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/23/theater/newsandfeatures/23sign.html?
Contrast that with Northern Illinois University’s Orchestra, Jazz Band and, of all things, an internationally respected Steel Drums Band. During the school year you can often get into shows for free or at nominal rates. Just 45 minutes from my house I would rather go there than Chicago.
On the other hand, maybe theaters would get more of an audience if they did what the Signature Theater is doing:
The Signature Theater Company, the Off Broadway troupe known for devoting entire seasons to a single playwright, has laid out its plans for its 15th-anniversary season. It will include a new play by August Wilson, old plays by August Wilson and a one-man show by August Wilson, starring August Wilson.
But perhaps its most interesting element - besides Mr. Wilson, of course - is its other constant: a $15 ticket for each and every seat.
The deal, announced yesterday by the company's artistic director, James Houghton, is a result of a three-year courtship between the Signature and Time Warner, which is underwriting the tickets.
"Time Warner's major philanthropic goal is to make arts accessible," Mr. Houghton said. "And we have always felt there's a kind of civic responsibility to make theater affordable."
At $15 the Signature tickets will run about the price of a movie and soda. (And a small soda at that.) Most Off Broadway companies, looking at declines in corporate, public and private giving, have steadily raised prices in recent years, with seats now regularly going for $50 or more. (The Signature generally charges $55.) On Broadway, orchestra seats commonly go for $100, while premium tickets can reach nearly $500.
The deal was met with admiration among other nonprofit leaders, who usually rely on ticket sales to provide at least half of their yearly budgets.
For the rest of the article, click here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/23/theater/newsandfeatures/23sign.html?
Saturday, June 25, 2005
More on Naked Statues...
About bloody time! (Excuse my English)
John Ashcroft had the naked statues at the Justice Department covered at a cost of $8000 because he was embarassed by a bronzed breast.
The new Attorney General Alberto Gonzales let them be removed because he had "more important" things to consider. Gonzales is obviously someone with common sense.
WASHINGTON (June 24) - With barely a word about it, workers at the Justice Department Friday removed the blue drapes that have famously covered two scantily clad statues for the past 3 1/2 years.
Spirit of Justice, with her one breast exposed and her arms raised, and the bare-chested male Majesty of Law basked in the late afternoon light of Justice's ceremonial Great Hall.
The drapes, installed in 2002 at a cost of $8,000, allowed then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to speak in the Great Hall without fear of a breast showing up behind him in television or newspaper pictures. They also provoked jokes about and criticism of the deeply religious Ashcroft.
The 12-foot, 6-inch aluminum statues were installed shortly after the building opened in the 1930s.
With a change in leadership at Justice, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales faced the question: Would they stay or would they go?
He regularly deflected the question, saying he had weightier issues before him.
Paul R. Corts, the assistant attorney general for administration, recommended the drapes be removed and Gonzales signed off on it, spokesman Kevin Madden said, while refusing to allow The Associated Press to photograph the statues Friday.
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050624185809990004&ncid=NWS00010000000001
John Ashcroft had the naked statues at the Justice Department covered at a cost of $8000 because he was embarassed by a bronzed breast.
The new Attorney General Alberto Gonzales let them be removed because he had "more important" things to consider. Gonzales is obviously someone with common sense.
WASHINGTON (June 24) - With barely a word about it, workers at the Justice Department Friday removed the blue drapes that have famously covered two scantily clad statues for the past 3 1/2 years.
Spirit of Justice, with her one breast exposed and her arms raised, and the bare-chested male Majesty of Law basked in the late afternoon light of Justice's ceremonial Great Hall.
The drapes, installed in 2002 at a cost of $8,000, allowed then-Attorney General John Ashcroft to speak in the Great Hall without fear of a breast showing up behind him in television or newspaper pictures. They also provoked jokes about and criticism of the deeply religious Ashcroft.
The 12-foot, 6-inch aluminum statues were installed shortly after the building opened in the 1930s.
With a change in leadership at Justice, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales faced the question: Would they stay or would they go?
He regularly deflected the question, saying he had weightier issues before him.
Paul R. Corts, the assistant attorney general for administration, recommended the drapes be removed and Gonzales signed off on it, spokesman Kevin Madden said, while refusing to allow The Associated Press to photograph the statues Friday.
http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/news/article.adp?id=20050624185809990004&ncid=NWS00010000000001
Friday, June 24, 2005
Art Museum Visits-I See Naked People
In an earlier post, I mentioned changing Michelangelo's art in order to "protect" children from nakedness.
Read this article for a sane viewpoint:
Art museums are often full of nudity. Why? Because artists love to create representations of people.
"The human figure has always been one of the most studied aspects of art," said Danielle Rice, executive director of the Delaware Art Museum.
"It's the measure of all things."
So if you go to a museum or art gallery where there will be depictions of art, how do you explain it to your kids?
Naturally, of course.
When children notice a nude figure, Rice who headed the education department at the Philadelphia Museum of Art before coming to Delaware, uses the moment as an opportunity to start a conversation about the subject. Does the image make them feel uncomfortable or embarrassed? Why is that?, she asks. She then leads the conversation toward the difference between nudity in art -- an ideal, or symbol of nature -- and nakedness, which is less ideal. "It gets them thinking," she said.
Milton Downing, who teaches art at Brandywood Elementary School in Brandywine Hundred and and Maple Lane Elementary School in Claymont and at the Christina Cultural Arts Center in Wilmington, explains how artists see the drawing of the human body as an artistic challenge and an important form of expression. He then points out what makes the image artistic. "Oh, course, I get some oohs and ahs," he says.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050621/LIFE/506210305/1005
Read this article for a sane viewpoint:
Art museums are often full of nudity. Why? Because artists love to create representations of people.
"The human figure has always been one of the most studied aspects of art," said Danielle Rice, executive director of the Delaware Art Museum.
"It's the measure of all things."
So if you go to a museum or art gallery where there will be depictions of art, how do you explain it to your kids?
Naturally, of course.
When children notice a nude figure, Rice who headed the education department at the Philadelphia Museum of Art before coming to Delaware, uses the moment as an opportunity to start a conversation about the subject. Does the image make them feel uncomfortable or embarrassed? Why is that?, she asks. She then leads the conversation toward the difference between nudity in art -- an ideal, or symbol of nature -- and nakedness, which is less ideal. "It gets them thinking," she said.
Milton Downing, who teaches art at Brandywood Elementary School in Brandywine Hundred and and Maple Lane Elementary School in Claymont and at the Christina Cultural Arts Center in Wilmington, explains how artists see the drawing of the human body as an artistic challenge and an important form of expression. He then points out what makes the image artistic. "Oh, course, I get some oohs and ahs," he says.
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050621/LIFE/506210305/1005
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Legal Help for Artists
I had a request from someone looking for legal help on an art issue.
I recommend any artist looking for help to start at their local Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. There are several offices around the country and this link should take you to a national list:
http://dwij.org/matrix/vla_list.html
Here in Illinois the local office is in Chicago:
William E. Rattner, Esq.
Executive Director Lawyers for the Creative Arts
213 W. Institute Place, Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60610
312 649-4111 Ph
312 944-2195 Fax
eMail: wrattner@law-arts.com http://www.law-arts.org/
I recommend any artist looking for help to start at their local Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. There are several offices around the country and this link should take you to a national list:
http://dwij.org/matrix/vla_list.html
Here in Illinois the local office is in Chicago:
William E. Rattner, Esq.
Executive Director Lawyers for the Creative Arts
213 W. Institute Place, Suite 401
Chicago, IL 60610
312 649-4111 Ph
312 944-2195 Fax
eMail: wrattner@law-arts.com http://www.law-arts.org/
And The Survey Said...
If the following article proves anything, is that parents are the ones who need to get involved with making sure that their children receive arts education. This is a hurry-up, stressed-out, don't bother me society but if we don't take action, who will?
Americans for the Arts, a non-profit organization committed to advancing the arts in America, conducted a survey focusing on the attitudes and opinions that Americans feel about art education.
·86 percent of Americans agree that an arts education encourages and assists in the improvement of a child’s attitudes toward school.
·83 percent of Americans believe that arts education helps teach children to communicate effectively with adults and peers.
·79 percent of Americans agree that incorporating arts into education is the first step in adding back what’s missing in public education today.
·79 percent of Americans believe that it’s important enough for them to get personally involved in increasing the amount and quality of arts education.
However, the survey also revealed that those “involved with a child” are uncertain when it comes to how to become involved in “advocating for arts education”.
·62 percent believe that there are other people or organizations in the community who are better suited to take action (than they are).
·40 percent say that they do not know how to get involved in arts education.
Americans for the Arts, a non-profit organization committed to advancing the arts in America, conducted a survey focusing on the attitudes and opinions that Americans feel about art education.
·86 percent of Americans agree that an arts education encourages and assists in the improvement of a child’s attitudes toward school.
·83 percent of Americans believe that arts education helps teach children to communicate effectively with adults and peers.
·79 percent of Americans agree that incorporating arts into education is the first step in adding back what’s missing in public education today.
·79 percent of Americans believe that it’s important enough for them to get personally involved in increasing the amount and quality of arts education.
However, the survey also revealed that those “involved with a child” are uncertain when it comes to how to become involved in “advocating for arts education”.
·62 percent believe that there are other people or organizations in the community who are better suited to take action (than they are).
·40 percent say that they do not know how to get involved in arts education.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Art Advocacy Links
If you surfed here looking for art advocacy links, these are some of my favorites:
Americans for the Arts
www.artsusa.org
ArtsEdge
www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org/
Arts Journal Online newsletter
www.artsjournal.com
In addition, you can google search "Art Council" along with your state. If you live in Illinois, this is the link:
www.state.il.us/agency/iac/
I will continue to post links to sites that promote the arts and if you have a favorite, please post it here in the comments or send me an e-mail. Larger organizations like the Americans for the Arts have membership fees, but not all groups do. I prefer a grass-roots approach meaning I want to encourage people to support their local community artists, theaters, and music organizations. And when local schools want to cut art programs for whatever reason, stop them. The arts are a vital part of education and benefits are across all subjects.
Good luck!
Americans for the Arts
www.artsusa.org
ArtsEdge
www.artsedge.kennedy-center.org/
Arts Journal Online newsletter
www.artsjournal.com
In addition, you can google search "Art Council" along with your state. If you live in Illinois, this is the link:
www.state.il.us/agency/iac/
I will continue to post links to sites that promote the arts and if you have a favorite, please post it here in the comments or send me an e-mail. Larger organizations like the Americans for the Arts have membership fees, but not all groups do. I prefer a grass-roots approach meaning I want to encourage people to support their local community artists, theaters, and music organizations. And when local schools want to cut art programs for whatever reason, stop them. The arts are a vital part of education and benefits are across all subjects.
Good luck!
Exhibition space-in space...
I know finding exhibition space is hard for the self-employed artist but imagine the logistics involved in this:
The International Space Station (ISS) - currently in orbit around the Earth - is our only permanent human habitation in space. It is a great achievement of human ingenuity and international cooperation, as well as a cutting-edge research facility. The European Space Agency is interested to open the International Space Station to a new community of artistic and cultural users. This new study sets out to investigate and focus the interest of the cultural world in the International Space Station, to generate a policy for involving cultural users in the International Space Station programme in the longer term and to develop a representative set of ready-to-implement demonstrator projects in arts, culture and media.
For the full article see the Arts Catalyst page here:
http://www.artscatalyst.org/projects/space/ISS.html
The International Space Station (ISS) - currently in orbit around the Earth - is our only permanent human habitation in space. It is a great achievement of human ingenuity and international cooperation, as well as a cutting-edge research facility. The European Space Agency is interested to open the International Space Station to a new community of artistic and cultural users. This new study sets out to investigate and focus the interest of the cultural world in the International Space Station, to generate a policy for involving cultural users in the International Space Station programme in the longer term and to develop a representative set of ready-to-implement demonstrator projects in arts, culture and media.
For the full article see the Arts Catalyst page here:
http://www.artscatalyst.org/projects/space/ISS.html
Friday, June 10, 2005
Art Museums Flourish
Depressed by all the bad news concerning art programs being cut, lack of funding, etc. etc., I came across this gem from the Seattle Times. About time for some positive news! Being a Cubs fan, the point about admissionto Wrigley Field is a bitter pill to swallow...
Art museums have learned the lessons of successful retailers in that they allow people to visit at all times of day, including evenings and weekends, not at a prearranged time. And a visitor can go at his or her own pace in a museum, looking, reading, thinking and enjoying. Plus, a concert, dance, performance or film is often included in the price of admission.
Speaking of admission, some museums, including all the great museums on the Mall in Washington, D.C., are free. Even the newly expanded Museum of Modern Art in New York, which charges the highest admission of any art museum in this country, is still a bargain at $20, compared with typical ticket prices of $40 at the New York Philharmonic and $32 to see the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2002320703&zsection_id=268883724&slug=artmuseums08&date=20050608
Art museums have learned the lessons of successful retailers in that they allow people to visit at all times of day, including evenings and weekends, not at a prearranged time. And a visitor can go at his or her own pace in a museum, looking, reading, thinking and enjoying. Plus, a concert, dance, performance or film is often included in the price of admission.
Speaking of admission, some museums, including all the great museums on the Mall in Washington, D.C., are free. Even the newly expanded Museum of Modern Art in New York, which charges the highest admission of any art museum in this country, is still a bargain at $20, compared with typical ticket prices of $40 at the New York Philharmonic and $32 to see the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/cgi-bin/PrintStory.pl?document_id=2002320703&zsection_id=268883724&slug=artmuseums08&date=20050608
Monday, June 06, 2005
Celebrities and their Causes
Star power can bring atttention to a cause, there's no doubt about that. In this article the discussion was, does a celebrity hurt or help? Strangely enough, I'm all for celebrities who promote the causes I like, but when they go out and stump for a presidential candidate I don't agree with, it makes me mad... hmmm.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/06/05/ING9QD1FIE1.DTL
Why would anyone object to these efforts? Two big reasons: Suspicion of the celebrities' motives and a sense that the celebrities don't really understand the problems about which they speak.
Case in point: The lead singer for rock group Coldplay, Chris Martin, has visited Ghana in his campaign against Western trade practices that he says undermine farmers in the West African country. Get rid of unfair tariffs imposed on Ghana, and those farmers would thrive, he believes.
Martin, who's married to actress Gwyneth Paltrow, may be well-intentioned, but he's ignoring structural problems in Ghana that have far more impact than outside tariffs, says Franklin Cudjoe, a development director in Ghana's capital, Accra. Cudjoe derides what he calls rock-star economics -- the practice of musician-activists and others to focus predominantly on the West's perceived responsibility for Africa's economic woes.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/06/05/ING9QD1FIE1.DTL
Why would anyone object to these efforts? Two big reasons: Suspicion of the celebrities' motives and a sense that the celebrities don't really understand the problems about which they speak.
Case in point: The lead singer for rock group Coldplay, Chris Martin, has visited Ghana in his campaign against Western trade practices that he says undermine farmers in the West African country. Get rid of unfair tariffs imposed on Ghana, and those farmers would thrive, he believes.
Martin, who's married to actress Gwyneth Paltrow, may be well-intentioned, but he's ignoring structural problems in Ghana that have far more impact than outside tariffs, says Franklin Cudjoe, a development director in Ghana's capital, Accra. Cudjoe derides what he calls rock-star economics -- the practice of musician-activists and others to focus predominantly on the West's perceived responsibility for Africa's economic woes.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
IRS and the Arts Business
One of the biggest pains to being self-employed in a creative industry is trying to predict how much I’ll make during a given quarter so that I can let the IRS know. If I get it wrong, I get penalties or the IRS keeps more of my money than it should. So when I read this article I thought “so what?” Why shouldn’t an arts business pay its employees and its taxes like any other business?
When I gave it more thought, I realized many arts businesses operate with wildly uncertain income just like the artists they hire. Depending on grants or admittance fees isn’t like selling a product where sales can be predicted more easily.
On third thought, maybe the IRS regulations are at fault…
Here’s a part of the article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Shakespeare won't be on the playbill when Kent Phillips finishes plans for his theater group's next season. Instead of a 15-player production of the Bard's "Richard II," he is looking into a two-man show by Noel Coward.
Phillips, interim director of the Tacoma Actors Guild and managing director of Bellevue Civic Theater, didn't pull his Shakespeare plans for artistic purposes. He was reacting to news that the state has been auditing other theater companies and fining them for paying actors honorariums and stipends rather than treating them as full-fledged employees.
At issue is the practice among small and midsize theaters to treat some actors, technicians and designers as independent contractors rather than as employees. Theater directors say paying a fixed payment or weekly stipend is a way to honor and at least slightly subsidize their creative work -- and provide a stepping stone to higher-paid Equity jobs -- without completely breaking the bank for community non-profits.
Now, they say, the state is telling them that workers should be classified as employees, meaning they should pay an hourly salary of at least minimum wage, plus contribute to the state's unemployment and workers' compensation funds.
For the complete article follow this link:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/theater/226100_theatertax27.html
When I gave it more thought, I realized many arts businesses operate with wildly uncertain income just like the artists they hire. Depending on grants or admittance fees isn’t like selling a product where sales can be predicted more easily.
On third thought, maybe the IRS regulations are at fault…
Here’s a part of the article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Shakespeare won't be on the playbill when Kent Phillips finishes plans for his theater group's next season. Instead of a 15-player production of the Bard's "Richard II," he is looking into a two-man show by Noel Coward.
Phillips, interim director of the Tacoma Actors Guild and managing director of Bellevue Civic Theater, didn't pull his Shakespeare plans for artistic purposes. He was reacting to news that the state has been auditing other theater companies and fining them for paying actors honorariums and stipends rather than treating them as full-fledged employees.
At issue is the practice among small and midsize theaters to treat some actors, technicians and designers as independent contractors rather than as employees. Theater directors say paying a fixed payment or weekly stipend is a way to honor and at least slightly subsidize their creative work -- and provide a stepping stone to higher-paid Equity jobs -- without completely breaking the bank for community non-profits.
Now, they say, the state is telling them that workers should be classified as employees, meaning they should pay an hourly salary of at least minimum wage, plus contribute to the state's unemployment and workers' compensation funds.
For the complete article follow this link:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/theater/226100_theatertax27.html
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
No Child Left Behind Act-Good or Bad?
Something that sounds good in theory does not always work out in actuality. Take the No Child Left Behind Act which was intended to bring all students up to a basic standard in reading and math. Although the arts are considered a "core subject" by this act, strained resources are being redirected to bringing up scores in reading and math because the school district will lose money if this is not done.
I came across this article and in it was this nugget of information:
In California, the act's emphasis on reading and mathematics contributed to a 50 percent drop in the number of students in music education courses, according to a study by that state's Department of Education, which looked at data from 1999 through 2004.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050523/NEWS/505230321/1001/COMMUNITY
Yes there should be accountability in the education system but this act has problems as far as evaluation. The bottom line is that not all students learn by the same method or at the same age. Special education students are included in the evaluation numbers and obviously that skews the results. Some kids are just never going to reach the levels required-they just aren't capable.
So who is evaluating the No Child Left Behind Act?
I came across this article and in it was this nugget of information:
In California, the act's emphasis on reading and mathematics contributed to a 50 percent drop in the number of students in music education courses, according to a study by that state's Department of Education, which looked at data from 1999 through 2004.
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050523/NEWS/505230321/1001/COMMUNITY
Yes there should be accountability in the education system but this act has problems as far as evaluation. The bottom line is that not all students learn by the same method or at the same age. Special education students are included in the evaluation numbers and obviously that skews the results. Some kids are just never going to reach the levels required-they just aren't capable.
So who is evaluating the No Child Left Behind Act?
Sunday, May 22, 2005
The Arts Are Good Business!
A similar story to the last post-the arts are responsible for bringing in some money to a city or community. Maybe this is the line we should take when telling school districts not to cut the arts because they represent future income for the community. Take a look at this story from Tampa Bay Online:
TAMPA - All those concert tickets and Salvador Dali museum souvenirs really add up.
An arts advocacy group said Friday that local arts and cultural institutions pumped more than half a billion dollars into the Tampa Bay area's economy last year, up 30 percent from 1999.
The group, the Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts, said the increase reflects the growing role arts institutions play in hiring and spending. Members also stressed that a growing, healthy arts environment is crucial for attracting and retaining businesses and workers.
The study found:
* Museums, arts centers and cultural institutions employed 7,800 people last year, compared with 7,000 in 1999, when the last study was done. The total payroll was $202.7 million in 2004, up from $146.7 million five years ago.
* Direct spending for the arts, which includes ticket sales and souvenirs purchased by patrons as well as day-to- day spending and capital expenditures by arts institutions, came to $270.3 million in 2004, up from $208.3 million in 1999.
* Total spending on the arts - that is, direct spending by arts institutions and patrons, plus the spending by those organization's clients and employees - was $521.3 million, up from $402.2 million in 1999.
TAMPA - All those concert tickets and Salvador Dali museum souvenirs really add up.
An arts advocacy group said Friday that local arts and cultural institutions pumped more than half a billion dollars into the Tampa Bay area's economy last year, up 30 percent from 1999.
The group, the Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts, said the increase reflects the growing role arts institutions play in hiring and spending. Members also stressed that a growing, healthy arts environment is crucial for attracting and retaining businesses and workers.
The study found:
* Museums, arts centers and cultural institutions employed 7,800 people last year, compared with 7,000 in 1999, when the last study was done. The total payroll was $202.7 million in 2004, up from $146.7 million five years ago.
* Direct spending for the arts, which includes ticket sales and souvenirs purchased by patrons as well as day-to- day spending and capital expenditures by arts institutions, came to $270.3 million in 2004, up from $208.3 million in 1999.
* Total spending on the arts - that is, direct spending by arts institutions and patrons, plus the spending by those organization's clients and employees - was $521.3 million, up from $402.2 million in 1999.
Friday, May 20, 2005
House of Representatives Pass Funding for the Arts
Yes, I know this is a long post...
Remarks from Illinois representative Davis in support of increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and for the National Endowment for the Humanities:
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of Slaughter/Shays/Dicks/Leach amendment to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, NEA, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, NEH.
The arts are crucial for the flourishing and development of societies. As our economy continues to grow it is important that the arts remain a priority in our communities. As former President Kennedy stated, “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battles or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” Though some would consider our economy hard pressed for such funding as this, I implore my colleagues to consider the profound influence of arts-centric businesses.
While some of the country's concerns only affect a minority of people, the involvement in the arts spans all walks of life. Indeed, it weaves together all communities and crosses racial, gender, and religious boundaries. In my district, the arts create a sense of nationalism for the State and the rest of the country. For, what would Chicago be without the architecture of the Sears Tower, the flourishing talent in Second City, or the abundant museums? Indeed, the beating pulse of America lives and thrives through the arts.
Not only do the arts enrich societies, but the arts is also an industry. In my district there are 2,989 art related businesses and 44,709 people that make their daily living working in the arts. It is obvious that support of arts, also is support of the economy. Arts-Centric businesses supply 578,000 businesses in the United States and employ 2.97 million people. Even more, it is a growing institution, exceeding the total United States business growth rate by 1.7 percent. Not only do the arts help sustain the economy by supplying jobs and generating revenue, it helps to fuel future creative industries and workers.
These future creative workers come in the form of our children. The arts help in a child's brain development and their creative skills. A country without a full expression of the arts would truly create a void in a child's development. They too deserve the right to blossom and flourish their imagination from the various artistic resources.
We cannot disregard the contributions and growing trends of the arts. The arts and humanities support our culture, it supports our economy, and most importantly it supports our future. In my district there is a wealth of diversity. This diversity is preserved through the arts. The arts promote respect for diversity, and appreciation of other cultures. It seems to me, that these elements are necessary for building stable healthy communities. Madam Chairman, if we minimize these possibilities in the arts, we will be limiting the liberty of our imagination. I request my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment.
Two weakening floor amendments to cut NEA funding were defeated by overwhelming margins.
Remarks from Illinois representative Davis in support of increasing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and for the National Endowment for the Humanities:
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of Slaughter/Shays/Dicks/Leach amendment to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, NEA, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, NEH.
The arts are crucial for the flourishing and development of societies. As our economy continues to grow it is important that the arts remain a priority in our communities. As former President Kennedy stated, “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for our victories or defeats in battles or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” Though some would consider our economy hard pressed for such funding as this, I implore my colleagues to consider the profound influence of arts-centric businesses.
While some of the country's concerns only affect a minority of people, the involvement in the arts spans all walks of life. Indeed, it weaves together all communities and crosses racial, gender, and religious boundaries. In my district, the arts create a sense of nationalism for the State and the rest of the country. For, what would Chicago be without the architecture of the Sears Tower, the flourishing talent in Second City, or the abundant museums? Indeed, the beating pulse of America lives and thrives through the arts.
Not only do the arts enrich societies, but the arts is also an industry. In my district there are 2,989 art related businesses and 44,709 people that make their daily living working in the arts. It is obvious that support of arts, also is support of the economy. Arts-Centric businesses supply 578,000 businesses in the United States and employ 2.97 million people. Even more, it is a growing institution, exceeding the total United States business growth rate by 1.7 percent. Not only do the arts help sustain the economy by supplying jobs and generating revenue, it helps to fuel future creative industries and workers.
These future creative workers come in the form of our children. The arts help in a child's brain development and their creative skills. A country without a full expression of the arts would truly create a void in a child's development. They too deserve the right to blossom and flourish their imagination from the various artistic resources.
We cannot disregard the contributions and growing trends of the arts. The arts and humanities support our culture, it supports our economy, and most importantly it supports our future. In my district there is a wealth of diversity. This diversity is preserved through the arts. The arts promote respect for diversity, and appreciation of other cultures. It seems to me, that these elements are necessary for building stable healthy communities. Madam Chairman, if we minimize these possibilities in the arts, we will be limiting the liberty of our imagination. I request my colleagues to join me in support of this amendment.
Two weakening floor amendments to cut NEA funding were defeated by overwhelming margins.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Illinois Arts Education Initiative
Take a minute to look through this site:
http://www.artsalliance.org/al_arts.shtml
This is the Illinois Arts Education site which is detailed below. If you live in another state, please try to find a similar initiative. Arts education needs help!
The Illinois Arts Education Initiative is a statewide coalition of education, business and arts advocates led by the Illinois Arts Alliance and the Chicago Community Trust dedicated to implementing a comprehensive, standards-based arts education program for Illinois public school students.
The Illinois Arts Education Initiative was created in response to diminishing arts education offerings in Illinois public schools and broad disparities in the number of arts education offerings found among school districts and among schools within the same school districts.
The Illinois Arts Education Initiative will increase public awareness of the impact of arts education on overall student achievement and broaden our knowledge of the status of arts education in public schools throughout Illinois. The coalition will make recommendations based on the findings of statewide research that is underway, lessons learned from Chicago Community Trust demonstration projects, examples of successful arts education programs in Illinois schools districts and from innovative solutions that have been implemented in other states.
http://www.artsalliance.org/al_arts.shtml
This is the Illinois Arts Education site which is detailed below. If you live in another state, please try to find a similar initiative. Arts education needs help!
The Illinois Arts Education Initiative is a statewide coalition of education, business and arts advocates led by the Illinois Arts Alliance and the Chicago Community Trust dedicated to implementing a comprehensive, standards-based arts education program for Illinois public school students.
The Illinois Arts Education Initiative was created in response to diminishing arts education offerings in Illinois public schools and broad disparities in the number of arts education offerings found among school districts and among schools within the same school districts.
The Illinois Arts Education Initiative will increase public awareness of the impact of arts education on overall student achievement and broaden our knowledge of the status of arts education in public schools throughout Illinois. The coalition will make recommendations based on the findings of statewide research that is underway, lessons learned from Chicago Community Trust demonstration projects, examples of successful arts education programs in Illinois schools districts and from innovative solutions that have been implemented in other states.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Covering Up Michelangelo's Nudity
Here's another subject for debate: should art work be changed so that it is not "offensive" when it is used in a classroom?
When coming up with lesson plans for my 1st and 3rd grade kids, I took care to use artworks that didn't include nudity. But the following story takes place in a high school. Certainly there will be some snickering, but does that give the authorities the reason to change Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel painting???
This story is from the Arizona Star:
It's one of the most recognized works of art in the world - the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
But, after several recent controversies about art at local schools, students in a mural class at Palo Verde High Magnet School knew from the beginning that their duplication of Michelangelo's masterpiece could be problematic.
If they were to paint the famous scene of God and a naked Adam touching fingertips, it might not go over well with students and administrators without some compromise.
Still, it took a while to get things right.
First, they painted a fig leaf over Adam's private parts.
"We knew we needed to cover it," said senior Lorel Voss, who thought the religious reference would be a bigger issue than the nudity. "We put a fig leaf. No one said anything for weeks."
But the fig leaf turned out to be more distracting than the area in question, school officials say. So, teacher Chelsea Farrar suggested a bush. But students thought it would be ugly, and went straight to administrators.
The compromise: A flowing sash to hide the area.
The situation illustrates the difficult balance educators face in integrating fine art into the high school classroom. It's a balance being debated frequently this year and one that Tucson's biggest school district will address with a committee that meets for the first time today.
http://www.dailystar.com/dailystar/printDS/74617.php
When coming up with lesson plans for my 1st and 3rd grade kids, I took care to use artworks that didn't include nudity. But the following story takes place in a high school. Certainly there will be some snickering, but does that give the authorities the reason to change Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel painting???
This story is from the Arizona Star:
It's one of the most recognized works of art in the world - the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
But, after several recent controversies about art at local schools, students in a mural class at Palo Verde High Magnet School knew from the beginning that their duplication of Michelangelo's masterpiece could be problematic.
If they were to paint the famous scene of God and a naked Adam touching fingertips, it might not go over well with students and administrators without some compromise.
Still, it took a while to get things right.
First, they painted a fig leaf over Adam's private parts.
"We knew we needed to cover it," said senior Lorel Voss, who thought the religious reference would be a bigger issue than the nudity. "We put a fig leaf. No one said anything for weeks."
But the fig leaf turned out to be more distracting than the area in question, school officials say. So, teacher Chelsea Farrar suggested a bush. But students thought it would be ugly, and went straight to administrators.
The compromise: A flowing sash to hide the area.
The situation illustrates the difficult balance educators face in integrating fine art into the high school classroom. It's a balance being debated frequently this year and one that Tucson's biggest school district will address with a committee that meets for the first time today.
http://www.dailystar.com/dailystar/printDS/74617.php
Monday, May 09, 2005
Louise T. Blouin Foundation
Some gems from a recent article about a new arts organization, the Louise T. Blouin Foundation:
- The international nonprofit arts organization has a wide-ranging agenda to support cultural development around the world, through research and new programs.
- Louise Blouin MacBain, a 46-year-old French-Canadian, has pledged $30 million to establish the Louise T. Blouin Center for Creativity in London and to fund the first year's program budget. MacBain said that after she learned she had dyslexia at the age of 8, she became aware of how creative many bright people with learning disabilities are, making links among seemingly disparate subjects. So through an interdisciplinary, international foundation, she said she hoped to show how creativity benefits countries economically and culturally.
- Robert Lynch, the president and chief executive of Americans for the Arts, said that he was particularly intrigued by the foundation's international ambitions and its research agenda on creativity and connections between the arts and the economy.
“Creativity is at the core of the American economy right now,” Lynch said, adding that his group's recent study on creative industries found that 578,486 businesses in the United States alone are connected to the arts in some way.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Grass-roots Advocacy
After the last article, I googled the National Coalition Against Censorship (and came up with probably enough material for several months of posting).
Here's what they would like the general public to do:
1. Keep us informed of controversies over artistic expression in your community.
2. Participate in the public dialogue when the work of another artist or the choices of an arts organization are debated. Talk to representatives of the media, speak on panels and write to the press.
3. Help us form local networks of support by your participation and advocacy of free creative expression.
4. Give us your ideas.
There are a great many organizations out there that advocate for the arts in one way or another-and we could go broke joining them all. I'm advocating a grass-roots approach and the NCAC pretty much says it all.
Here's what they would like the general public to do:
1. Keep us informed of controversies over artistic expression in your community.
2. Participate in the public dialogue when the work of another artist or the choices of an arts organization are debated. Talk to representatives of the media, speak on panels and write to the press.
3. Help us form local networks of support by your participation and advocacy of free creative expression.
4. Give us your ideas.
There are a great many organizations out there that advocate for the arts in one way or another-and we could go broke joining them all. I'm advocating a grass-roots approach and the NCAC pretty much says it all.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Censored Art
I'm going to put this article out there and see what people think. (I did pull out student's names) Question: how old do you have to be to enjoy freedom of expression?
3 censored paintings may be sold
Associated Press
ROY — Three paintings by a Roy High School student that were removed from a school art show are attracting interest and could be sold or possibly displayed in a Los Angeles gallery. High school administrators removed the oil paintings by (student). One painting was of a female breast and a hand overlaid by a black censor line. Another depicted a woman's torso, a hand, and the lower half of cleavage. The third showed two hands on a curved hip. Roy High art teacher Jeffrey Lowe, who defends the art, said he has since received two phone calls from people wondering if (student) wanted to sell the paintings. One person also called from California and wants to get the pictures displayed in a gallery, Lowe said. (student) said she is open to selling the paintings but has no idea how much to charge. "It's all new to me," said (student), who is headed to Weber State University in the fall to major in art.
District administrators said (student's) paintings were causing a disruption. Some students and faculty had complained about the pieces, saying they were offensive. The weeklong art show was in the school's main foyer. Principal Lee Dickemore declined to comment Wednesday. The 17-year-old artist's left hand is underdeveloped and allows for little movement. "No wonder she is drawing hands," said writer Wendy Toliver, 32, of Eden. "Her art is beautiful to me," Toliver said. "I would love it in my office. It's gorgeous. It's not vulgar to me." (student's) paintings are the only ones that have been removed, though some others also have drawn complaint. These include several that show a boy and girl kissing, and a work called "The Bather," which displays a woman's upper buttocks. Some parents say high school isn't the place for some pieces of art. "It's probably not things I would want my high school child to see," said Michelle Marshall, and her daughter, (another student), a junior, agrees. "High school students don't view art in a very mature way," she said. "They would be laughing at it."
Svetlana Mintcheva, director of Arts Advocacy for the National Coalition Against Censorship, said art is protected by the First Amendment. "Removing it shows ignorance of art history and a religious standard gone amok," she said.
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600129782,00.html
3 censored paintings may be sold
Associated Press
ROY — Three paintings by a Roy High School student that were removed from a school art show are attracting interest and could be sold or possibly displayed in a Los Angeles gallery. High school administrators removed the oil paintings by (student). One painting was of a female breast and a hand overlaid by a black censor line. Another depicted a woman's torso, a hand, and the lower half of cleavage. The third showed two hands on a curved hip. Roy High art teacher Jeffrey Lowe, who defends the art, said he has since received two phone calls from people wondering if (student) wanted to sell the paintings. One person also called from California and wants to get the pictures displayed in a gallery, Lowe said. (student) said she is open to selling the paintings but has no idea how much to charge. "It's all new to me," said (student), who is headed to Weber State University in the fall to major in art.
District administrators said (student's) paintings were causing a disruption. Some students and faculty had complained about the pieces, saying they were offensive. The weeklong art show was in the school's main foyer. Principal Lee Dickemore declined to comment Wednesday. The 17-year-old artist's left hand is underdeveloped and allows for little movement. "No wonder she is drawing hands," said writer Wendy Toliver, 32, of Eden. "Her art is beautiful to me," Toliver said. "I would love it in my office. It's gorgeous. It's not vulgar to me." (student's) paintings are the only ones that have been removed, though some others also have drawn complaint. These include several that show a boy and girl kissing, and a work called "The Bather," which displays a woman's upper buttocks. Some parents say high school isn't the place for some pieces of art. "It's probably not things I would want my high school child to see," said Michelle Marshall, and her daughter, (another student), a junior, agrees. "High school students don't view art in a very mature way," she said. "They would be laughing at it."
Svetlana Mintcheva, director of Arts Advocacy for the National Coalition Against Censorship, said art is protected by the First Amendment. "Removing it shows ignorance of art history and a religious standard gone amok," she said.
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600129782,00.html
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Block Parties
No, I didn't say "blog parties" though that sounds like a good idea...
I read an article about a neighborhood block party that featured community resources, e.g. Big Brothers & Sisters, Junior League, Family Services, etc. The block party also had fun activities for the kids including arts and crafts, Play-Doh tables, two bounce houses, a rock-climbing wall, and music by local organizations. Art, music, physical activity-what more can you ask for a community event?
Not only is the whole concept a great idea to copy in your own neighborhood (and yes you would have to do some organizing but so what?) but it seems like a good opportunity for local artists to get out there and show the kids what you do. You never know when you will inspire someone.
I read an article about a neighborhood block party that featured community resources, e.g. Big Brothers & Sisters, Junior League, Family Services, etc. The block party also had fun activities for the kids including arts and crafts, Play-Doh tables, two bounce houses, a rock-climbing wall, and music by local organizations. Art, music, physical activity-what more can you ask for a community event?
Not only is the whole concept a great idea to copy in your own neighborhood (and yes you would have to do some organizing but so what?) but it seems like a good opportunity for local artists to get out there and show the kids what you do. You never know when you will inspire someone.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Art Thought For The Day
When I go to Chicago I often see the most interesting art/architecture several floors above street level. This means I get a stiff neck/look like a tourist/get mown down by cabbies whenever I'm downtown.
The town where I live has several buildings on the National Historic Register and even though the architecture is more visible (read: only one or two floors from street level) you still have to make an effort to see it.
So here's the thought for the day. Take your camera, whether it's a Kodak disposable or swanky digital model and go to your local downtown district and look up. Take pictures of architectural details (and here it definitely helps if you have a zoom lens) and make your own visual art scrapbook.
You'll have a new perspective on where you live.
The town where I live has several buildings on the National Historic Register and even though the architecture is more visible (read: only one or two floors from street level) you still have to make an effort to see it.
So here's the thought for the day. Take your camera, whether it's a Kodak disposable or swanky digital model and go to your local downtown district and look up. Take pictures of architectural details (and here it definitely helps if you have a zoom lens) and make your own visual art scrapbook.
You'll have a new perspective on where you live.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Hip-hop Producer Advocates for the Disadvantaged
I've never thought of a hip-hop music producer as being an advocate for the arts but Russel Simmons, founder of Def Jam records, is doing what he can to promote music to the disdvantaged.
Here's an excerpt from an article on mvwire.com:
"Simmons’ interests extend far beyond the business world, and he spends a great deal of his time and considerable energy working for social, political, and philanthropic causes, pushing hip-hop on to new plateaus of power and relevance. In 1995 he, along with his brothers Danny and Joseph Simmons (Rev. Run of Run-DMC), founded Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. The organization is dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as offering exhibition opportunities to underrepresented artists and artists of color. Following the historic Hip-Hop Summit Russell organized in June 2001, he and Minister Benjamin Muhammad founded the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) to harness the cultural relevance of hip-hop music as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns fundamental to the well being of at-risk youth throughout the United States."
Here's an excerpt from an article on mvwire.com:
"Simmons’ interests extend far beyond the business world, and he spends a great deal of his time and considerable energy working for social, political, and philanthropic causes, pushing hip-hop on to new plateaus of power and relevance. In 1995 he, along with his brothers Danny and Joseph Simmons (Rev. Run of Run-DMC), founded Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. The organization is dedicated to providing disadvantaged urban youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as offering exhibition opportunities to underrepresented artists and artists of color. Following the historic Hip-Hop Summit Russell organized in June 2001, he and Minister Benjamin Muhammad founded the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) to harness the cultural relevance of hip-hop music as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns fundamental to the well being of at-risk youth throughout the United States."
Monday, April 25, 2005
Florida Bill Attempts to Increase Art in Schools
I'm very happy that this bill passed in Florida. However, how many studies do we need to prove that arts have a positive effect on our lives? (That includes those who think they are artistically challenged!)
This is the story that appeared in the Daytona Beach News Journal:
TALLAHASSEE -- A bill that would require the Department of Education to study the link between arts courses and students' scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test passed the state House on Tuesday, (4/19/05) 114-0.
The bill -- the first sponsored by freshman Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, to pass the House -- requires the department to prepare a report for the governor and the Legislature by Dec. 1. Hukill, a former music teacher, has said arts classes can promote greater academic achievement.
Limited classroom space and greater academic demands have led to a drop in enrollment in arts classes. For example, just 60 percent of elementary students had music classes in 2003, down from 85 percent in 1985. Legislative plans -- including a similar bill sponsored by Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Miami -- would require school boards to set policies guaranteeing sufficient time for arts courses and access to them.
This is the story that appeared in the Daytona Beach News Journal:
TALLAHASSEE -- A bill that would require the Department of Education to study the link between arts courses and students' scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test passed the state House on Tuesday, (4/19/05) 114-0.
The bill -- the first sponsored by freshman Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, to pass the House -- requires the department to prepare a report for the governor and the Legislature by Dec. 1. Hukill, a former music teacher, has said arts classes can promote greater academic achievement.
Limited classroom space and greater academic demands have led to a drop in enrollment in arts classes. For example, just 60 percent of elementary students had music classes in 2003, down from 85 percent in 1985. Legislative plans -- including a similar bill sponsored by Sen. Gwen Margolis, D-Miami -- would require school boards to set policies guaranteeing sufficient time for arts courses and access to them.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Support Your Local Arts Group
Here's a three-step way to support your community arts:
1. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce or check out your local phone directory.
2. Make a list of all the organizations in your area that are arts-related.
3. Choose one and join it! Get involved, get your family involved.
Your local theater group, music group or artist group needs members to survive. Try something you haven't tried before and you'll stretch your creative muscles.
1. Contact the local Chamber of Commerce or check out your local phone directory.
2. Make a list of all the organizations in your area that are arts-related.
3. Choose one and join it! Get involved, get your family involved.
Your local theater group, music group or artist group needs members to survive. Try something you haven't tried before and you'll stretch your creative muscles.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Art education part of total school package
From a recent article:
"An informal survey conducted by Phil Shepherd, arts and humanities consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education, found schools that have reached proficiency, including those in Daviess County, partially attribute their overall academic improvement to integrating more arts into the curriculum."
For the whole article, here's the link:
http://www.newsenterpriseonline.com/articles/2005/04/10/news/news02.txt
"An informal survey conducted by Phil Shepherd, arts and humanities consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education, found schools that have reached proficiency, including those in Daviess County, partially attribute their overall academic improvement to integrating more arts into the curriculum."
For the whole article, here's the link:
http://www.newsenterpriseonline.com/articles/2005/04/10/news/news02.txt
Friday, April 08, 2005
When money gets tight
After the defeat of a local school referendum, the school board announced the budget cuts. 75% of the cuts were arts related e.g. jazz band, an art teacher, a music program. Athletics were about 25%-eliminating a freshman wrestling coach and a freshman sport.
Schools make money from sports, witness the Friday night football games at any high school. Until the arts produce as much income as sports, arts will be the first programs cut from the budget.
So, as the title of this blog suggests, get out there and support your local schools' plays, concerts and art exhibitions! Write to your school board and demand equal time for the arts!
Schools make money from sports, witness the Friday night football games at any high school. Until the arts produce as much income as sports, arts will be the first programs cut from the budget.
So, as the title of this blog suggests, get out there and support your local schools' plays, concerts and art exhibitions! Write to your school board and demand equal time for the arts!
Friday, April 01, 2005
Las Vegas Inspiration part 2
More thoughts on Las Vegas:
Each of the monorail trains are painted with different designs-yes they're adverts, but on the other hand they are brightly colored!
Being from England I can truthfully tell you that no castles are or were painted in primary colors. But kudos to the Excalibur resort for their delightful interpretation!
How do you coordinate fountains to O Solo Mio???
Each of the monorail trains are painted with different designs-yes they're adverts, but on the other hand they are brightly colored!
Being from England I can truthfully tell you that no castles are or were painted in primary colors. But kudos to the Excalibur resort for their delightful interpretation!
How do you coordinate fountains to O Solo Mio???
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Artistic Inspiration in Las Vegas!
How many people do you know go to Vegas and come home raving about artistic inspiration? If you're reading this blog, you know at least one!
I just spent a few days in Las Vegas. Not being a gambler, I still wanted to go to there to see what all the fuss is about.
Here are just a few of the things that inspired my creative juices:
I just spent a few days in Las Vegas. Not being a gambler, I still wanted to go to there to see what all the fuss is about.
Here are just a few of the things that inspired my creative juices:
- Casinos-any one of them! Lighting effects; lighting sculptures; bold, attention getting graphics.
- Shows-set designs; staging effects; over-the-top costuming.
- Architecture-jaw-dropping Mandalay Bay; Mirage; Venetian; Paris Las Vegas.
- and of course, the "Ocean's Eleven" scene-the fountains at the Bellagio
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Symbolism
I watched the 140 year old church across the street burn on Monday. From what I see of it today, I'm not sure if it will be able to be restored.
In its life, it has been an Episcopalian church, a Grange Hall, and a residence. Though I've lived across the street from it for over 25 years and heard lots of stories, no-one can remember a connection to the Jewish faith. Why then, is there a prominent Star of David carved on the front? In the middle of the Star of David, there are what appears to be flowers or something like it. Incidentally, the carving was saved.
Here we have a symbol that to most of us means one thing but, to whomever carved it, it meant something else. For those of us who took art history lessons, there was always a lively debate about the symbolism in some paintings. Unless the artist left a specific written record, symbolism is often a personal interpretation.
By the way, if anyone knows anything about a Star of David with flowers on the inside, please let me know!
In its life, it has been an Episcopalian church, a Grange Hall, and a residence. Though I've lived across the street from it for over 25 years and heard lots of stories, no-one can remember a connection to the Jewish faith. Why then, is there a prominent Star of David carved on the front? In the middle of the Star of David, there are what appears to be flowers or something like it. Incidentally, the carving was saved.
Here we have a symbol that to most of us means one thing but, to whomever carved it, it meant something else. For those of us who took art history lessons, there was always a lively debate about the symbolism in some paintings. Unless the artist left a specific written record, symbolism is often a personal interpretation.
By the way, if anyone knows anything about a Star of David with flowers on the inside, please let me know!
Monday, March 21, 2005
Which comes first?
From Bowling Green, Kentucky, in a news story about a proposed performing arts center:
“The key issues in some ways has to do with where do you start?” he said. “Do you start by supporting building a performing arts center, or do you start by trying to build a demand for the arts?”
Sounds like the proverbial "Which comes first? The chicken or the egg?" The article goes on to suggest that people get involved in the arts for personal reasons, rather than economic benefit. So when it comes to selling an arts center to the community you should target those personal reasons. My own thought is that the elected officials of any community will evaluate your project based on economic benefit. You need these people to approve your building and zoning issues, your traffic patterns, and your impact on the neighborhood. And dollar signs are the best way to approach them.
If you want to read the entire article, please follow this link:
http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/stories/public/200503/20/0004aaZZ_news.html
“The key issues in some ways has to do with where do you start?” he said. “Do you start by supporting building a performing arts center, or do you start by trying to build a demand for the arts?”
Sounds like the proverbial "Which comes first? The chicken or the egg?" The article goes on to suggest that people get involved in the arts for personal reasons, rather than economic benefit. So when it comes to selling an arts center to the community you should target those personal reasons. My own thought is that the elected officials of any community will evaluate your project based on economic benefit. You need these people to approve your building and zoning issues, your traffic patterns, and your impact on the neighborhood. And dollar signs are the best way to approach them.
If you want to read the entire article, please follow this link:
http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/stories/public/200503/20/0004aaZZ_news.html
Friday, March 18, 2005
The Creativity Concept
At bigger corporations, money is spent on "creativity" building-they bring in a facilitator who leads the employees through "exercises" designed to generate ideas for the company. Ideas can be anything from improving marketing to coming up with new products.
This same concept would make an ideal "family night" activity. You can get crayons, cheap watercolors, plain paper, construction paper, glue etc. from any department store and they're not expensive. Moms, Dads, and Grandparents have to draw/paint the same things that the kids draw and paint - that's what makes it fun!
In my class I set up a still life-not fruit and flowing tablecloths like the Old Masters, but a "beach" still life. I use a bucket, frisbee, rubber ducky and a beach towel. The kids love it.
You never know how creative your family can be. It's easy to come up with ideas when you let the kids be involved.
This same concept would make an ideal "family night" activity. You can get crayons, cheap watercolors, plain paper, construction paper, glue etc. from any department store and they're not expensive. Moms, Dads, and Grandparents have to draw/paint the same things that the kids draw and paint - that's what makes it fun!
In my class I set up a still life-not fruit and flowing tablecloths like the Old Masters, but a "beach" still life. I use a bucket, frisbee, rubber ducky and a beach towel. The kids love it.
You never know how creative your family can be. It's easy to come up with ideas when you let the kids be involved.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Rewards of teaching art to children
This past week was the end of my current contract as a visiting artist teaching art to elementary school kids in a school with no art teacher and no formal art program.
At the beginning of the school year, I had a 1st grader who announced to me that he "hated art" and wasn't going to do the lessons. Two days ago he showed me his art project and wanted it put up in the school hallway. Another child thought the current project "too hard!" but by the end of the hour he had completed a beautiful drawing that showed he had an eye for color. A teacher of one of the bilingual 3rd grades had her children produce cards for me as a thank-you for the art lessons throughout the year. Many of them made me laugh, but one drawing had be with a brush and palette in my arms painting something on an easel. What attracted my attention was that I was wearing a beret! Now I don't remember attending any class with a beret on, but somewhere she had seen the stereotypical depiction of an artist and decided that was me.
During the year it has always buoyed me up that when I entered a classroom with my "art cart" the children were always pleased to see me and were upbeat about anything I was going to present to them. Wouldn't it be great if art was as uplifting to all people?
At the beginning of the school year, I had a 1st grader who announced to me that he "hated art" and wasn't going to do the lessons. Two days ago he showed me his art project and wanted it put up in the school hallway. Another child thought the current project "too hard!" but by the end of the hour he had completed a beautiful drawing that showed he had an eye for color. A teacher of one of the bilingual 3rd grades had her children produce cards for me as a thank-you for the art lessons throughout the year. Many of them made me laugh, but one drawing had be with a brush and palette in my arms painting something on an easel. What attracted my attention was that I was wearing a beret! Now I don't remember attending any class with a beret on, but somewhere she had seen the stereotypical depiction of an artist and decided that was me.
During the year it has always buoyed me up that when I entered a classroom with my "art cart" the children were always pleased to see me and were upbeat about anything I was going to present to them. Wouldn't it be great if art was as uplifting to all people?
Friday, March 04, 2005
Art advocacy site
I came across this site which is dedicated to the advancement of all arts:
http://www.artslynx.org/aotl/about.htm
It has articles and speech transcripts. I especially like the article on how to be an advocate for the arts.
http://www.artslynx.org/aotl/about.htm
It has articles and speech transcripts. I especially like the article on how to be an advocate for the arts.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Recognize the importance of art in education
Advocate for the Arts
Quote from the Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona:
"I realize that the gains in positioning arts education within the curriculum are challenged by pressures caused by mounting budget deficits. We cannot let our arts programs perish in an attempt to enhance other academic achievements or to balance a fledgling education budget."
Chances are, when any school budget is addressed, art, drama and music programs are the first to be cut for the simple reason that these aren't the subjects that are mandated to be tested.
In reality, a well-rounded, multiple-subject education is the best gift any child could have.
Quote from the Mayor of Phoenix, Arizona:
"I realize that the gains in positioning arts education within the curriculum are challenged by pressures caused by mounting budget deficits. We cannot let our arts programs perish in an attempt to enhance other academic achievements or to balance a fledgling education budget."
Chances are, when any school budget is addressed, art, drama and music programs are the first to be cut for the simple reason that these aren't the subjects that are mandated to be tested.
In reality, a well-rounded, multiple-subject education is the best gift any child could have.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
The Next Creative Age
Advocate for the Arts
Interesting comment found recently:
it is clear that the pervasive worldwide spread of the Internet, digitization and the availability of white collar skills abroad, mean huge cost savings for those global corporations. Consequently, this shift of high tech service jobs will be a permanent feature of economic life in the 21st century. On the positive side, some economists believe that this will improve the profits and efficiency of American corporations and set the stage for the next big growth-generating breakthrough. But what will that be?
Many, like the Nomura Research Institute, argue that the stage is set for the advance of the "Creative Age," a period in which America should once again thrive and prosper because of our tolerance for dissent, respect for individual enterprise, freedom of expression and recognition that innovation is the driving force for the U.S. economy, not mass production of low-value goods and services.
Today, the demand for creativity has outpaced our nation's ability to create enough workers simply to meet our needs.
Interesting comment found recently:
it is clear that the pervasive worldwide spread of the Internet, digitization and the availability of white collar skills abroad, mean huge cost savings for those global corporations. Consequently, this shift of high tech service jobs will be a permanent feature of economic life in the 21st century. On the positive side, some economists believe that this will improve the profits and efficiency of American corporations and set the stage for the next big growth-generating breakthrough. But what will that be?
Many, like the Nomura Research Institute, argue that the stage is set for the advance of the "Creative Age," a period in which America should once again thrive and prosper because of our tolerance for dissent, respect for individual enterprise, freedom of expression and recognition that innovation is the driving force for the U.S. economy, not mass production of low-value goods and services.
Today, the demand for creativity has outpaced our nation's ability to create enough workers simply to meet our needs.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Arts Advocacy Day
"Monday, March 14–Tuesday, March 15, 2005 Washington, DC
Arts Advocacy Day 2005 is strategically timed to give grassroots advocates the opportunity to shape federal arts policy and educate Members of Congress. Arts Advocacy Day is held in conjunction with the Congressional Arts Caucus, and many Members of Congress will be involved in the day's events. "
For more information, visit the Americans for the Arts website at:
www.AmericansForTheArts.org
Arts Advocacy Day 2005 is strategically timed to give grassroots advocates the opportunity to shape federal arts policy and educate Members of Congress. Arts Advocacy Day is held in conjunction with the Congressional Arts Caucus, and many Members of Congress will be involved in the day's events. "
For more information, visit the Americans for the Arts website at:
www.AmericansForTheArts.org
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Actress Sela Ward quote
I came across this quote from actress Sela Ward. She was accepting a Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts in Jackson, Mississippi. I thought it was so inspiring, I just had to pass it along:
"The thought of taking the education of the arts out of our school system is horrifying for me," said the star of "Sisters."
"The arts inspire the success of a community."
"The thought of taking the education of the arts out of our school system is horrifying for me," said the star of "Sisters."
"The arts inspire the success of a community."
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Steve Martin supports art gallery
Kudos to actor/writer Steve Martin for supporting a local California art museum. Not only does he lend them pieces from his own collection, he recently donated money to the museum for acquisitions and to further art education.
The arts community needs more patrons like him!
The arts community needs more patrons like him!
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Cutting art from the curriculum
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/03OpOPN95020105.htm
This article is from the Daytona Beach News Journal. It talks about cutting the arts from the school curriculum because "there isn't enough time" for them.
Well, gee! Children in the United States are in school about two weeks per year less than European kids and about three weeks less than Japanese or Korean kids and here is a school system cutting the hours in the day! Children need more instruction, not less, and the type of instruction that includes the arts makes it easier for kids to learn!
What is this school system THINKING?!!!
This article is from the Daytona Beach News Journal. It talks about cutting the arts from the school curriculum because "there isn't enough time" for them.
Well, gee! Children in the United States are in school about two weeks per year less than European kids and about three weeks less than Japanese or Korean kids and here is a school system cutting the hours in the day! Children need more instruction, not less, and the type of instruction that includes the arts makes it easier for kids to learn!
What is this school system THINKING?!!!
Monday, January 31, 2005
Starting out!
This was my New Year's resolution - to start a blog about art advocacy. There are many websites out there that promote art education but I'm more interested in grass roots (read: cheap!) ways to make sure everyone has access to the visual arts.
Too often art is taught in schools as a kind of "add-on" or extra. Now I'm not saying that Math and English aren't important but art is just as important to learning. There are plenty of studies out there that prove that art education teaches creativity and that children involved in art are "well-rounded" and are more likely to succeed intellectually.
I liken that to exercising-you wouldn't be involved in an exercise program that just worked leg muscles, would you? You'd want to exercise your whole body to be fit. Well that's how I see education-it should be the whole brain, not just the Math parts!
I came across an article last year in the Harvard Business Review. Long story short, it said that companies were starting to look at MFAs instead of MBAs to run them. Seems MFAs are the ones with the creativity and vision...
Anyone out there with an innovative ideas or comments that further art education, please post or e-mail me!
Too often art is taught in schools as a kind of "add-on" or extra. Now I'm not saying that Math and English aren't important but art is just as important to learning. There are plenty of studies out there that prove that art education teaches creativity and that children involved in art are "well-rounded" and are more likely to succeed intellectually.
I liken that to exercising-you wouldn't be involved in an exercise program that just worked leg muscles, would you? You'd want to exercise your whole body to be fit. Well that's how I see education-it should be the whole brain, not just the Math parts!
I came across an article last year in the Harvard Business Review. Long story short, it said that companies were starting to look at MFAs instead of MBAs to run them. Seems MFAs are the ones with the creativity and vision...
Anyone out there with an innovative ideas or comments that further art education, please post or e-mail me!
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