The Kind of School Every American Child Deserves

Here is an excellent essay  from Brian P. Jones on the defunding of public schools across the country,  elimination of creative learning experience, and the hypocrisy of education reformers when it comes to the schools they send their own children to.

Youth Art Month 2013

Youth Art Month exhibitors have their photographs taken with State Supt. Glenda Ritz.

There was a huge crowd of students, parents and teachers at the State House today. Guest speaker Indiana Supt. of Education Glenda Ritz received several ovations from the crowd as she read a proclimation confirming the importance of music and art learning experiences for Indiana school children. My sincerest thanks to all the parents and family members who accompanied their students to the event.

The North Atrium was packed wall to wall.

I felt especially gratified when Supt. Ritz noted during her keynote: "Indiana K-12 music and art programs are valued and will be supported." 

It is with the deepest gratitude that I thank AEAI President Sidney Allen,, AEAI President Elect Bev Staub, YAM Co-Chairs Allie Staub and Mindy Hiatt for their tremendous efforts and all of the AEAI volunteers who came out to make this event one of the best YAM events ever.

New Palestine Elementary 1st Grade YAM exhibitor poses with her radial design

The YAM attendees and AEAI was also honored by a visit with Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann who was also in attendance.

Arts Advocacy Day 2013: The Short and the Long

AEAI President Sidney Allen and I were at the State House last Thursday and this was the seventh time since 2005 that I have attended an Arts Advocacy Day event at the state capitol. I always enjoy this event. I had the chance to visit with Governor Pence for a few moments and I shared with him Bob Sabol's excellent policy analysis for art education advocates, parents, citizens and policy makers. I spent most of my day with House Republicans and had the chance to talk with Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee: District 78 Rep. Suzanne Crouch, District Rep. 53 Bob Cherry, District 60 Rep. Peggy Mayfield, District 47 Rep. John Price, District 70 Rep. Rhonda Rhoads and District 15 Rep. Hal Slager. I basically thanked them for any consideration for improving education funding because since 2009, we have seen cuts to many art programs across the state. Why does it matter? Creativity with a capitol C. Creativity matters because the art room is the center for creativity in our schools. Creativity matters because children thrive in schools where fine arts programs are in place. Creativity matters because the affects of creative experience are critically important to children's psycho-emotional and intellectual development. Creativity matters because professionals and entrepreneurs all across the economic spectrum need it to stay relevant in the world wide economy of the 21st Century. Creativity matters because it is a vital component of our state's dynamic economy. And creativity matters because it is every American child's right to an education that endows him or her with skills related to divergent and creative thinking.

Arts Advocacy Day Training Location Changed

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE...

 

THE LOCATION OF TRAINING FOR ARTS DAY HAS BEEN CHANGED.

 

The time for training will remain the same - 10:30 a.m.

The location has changed from Union Station, Music for All office.

 

TRAINING WILL NOW BE HELD AT THE STATEHOUSE.

 

This change was made due to the change in the session times of the legislators.

 

Registraton will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Statehouse

Training will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Arts Advocacy Day February 14, 2013

Discussing the importance of creativity in the educational experiences of children with Senator Waltz last year. (Photo courtesy of Tetia Lee, Tippecanoe Arts Federation)

 I plan to "Storm the Floor" with other Indiana arts advocates during the Indiana Coalition of the Arts annual lobbying event. If you want to get some great lobbying training, please consider meeting up with members of INCA  and other arts advocates at the Music for All offices located at Union Station around 10:30 AM. I cannot attend the training session but will arrive at the Indiana State House for the reception around 12:30. If you are interested in contacting me, please do so at campak14@yahoo.com. Will see you at the State House this Thursday!

Problem Here....

HB1003 is a voucher expansion bill that could bleed nearly 50 million dollars from public school funding. This bill has received support from the Indiana House and is supported by the Governor. I view this bill as having a chilling effect on public school systems capacity to maintain funding for under funded fine arts programs in public schools across the state. Are you concerned? Contact your Indiana State senator and your Indiana House representative here:  More on HB1003 here.

Bullying A Problem In Schools Today? Ask For More Arts Education: Creating a Culture of Acceptance Conference March 9th at the Indiana Convention Center

The arts play a huge roll in the development of creative thinking skills but also make significant contributions to the development of a form of intelligence known as empathy. The psycho-dynamic affects of fine arts experience as a positive force in the amelioration of violent tendencies is well known. This is why arts advocates are very sensitive to the displacement of arts education experiences in our schools. Please consider joining educators, parents, students, concerned citizens and other interested professionals in a bullying prevention conference  at the Indiana Convention Center on March 9th.