Yesterday I attended an art show that featured art work done by kids from all the different grades and schools in our area. Amy was one of the artists chosen to be exhibited there. She had three different pieces (as seen below) in the show. And let me tell you, she was very excited just to have one showing. She didn’t know that she was going to have three different things there.
But what excited me the most, was the fact that the arts are still being taught and encouraged in school. With so many budget cuts and positions being eliminated I was sure this would be an area that would be dropped. It was apparent though from the talent that was represented at the show that this is not the case in our little corner of Georgia. From what I could surmise each art teacher at each of the different schools picked what they deamed to be the best of the students and display only those pieces. And they encouraged each of the students to be creative and not limit them in what they could or could not produce. The pieces ranged from decopauged bottles to sculptures, paintings using all sorts of mediums, pottery, mixed media arts, and on and on.
It is Amy’s desire (right now at the age of 9) to become a fashion designer. But because of her art teachers she has expanded her areas of interest and will soon be attending an art camp too. And who knows what kind of career path this could lead her down. Whatever it may be, as a parent I want to encourage her if this is truly where her passion lies.
And kudos and hats off to all the art teachers out there. Keep encouraging, teaching and sharing your love of art with these kids. You are making a difference.
My daughter, Cathy Gersich is a dedicated Art teacher in the public schools and has many stories about how art has changed children’s lives. The art programs are being cut nationwide, and this, again, will result in a loss of our culture, young as it is. We need more people such as you showing the teachers how they are appreciated. Thank you!