me arts ed

Interesting links forwarded to me by others – THANKS for the contributions! Please keep making comments and sending content!

Many of you have heard me say: “none of us is as smart as all of us”. meartsed blog gives us the chance to share knowledge. Articles, blogs, videos and other resources are passed on in the blog. Below are a few.

Congratulations to Anne Wilkinson who started a strings program at Thornton Academy in Saco about 20 years ago. This month, for the first time in the history of the program 200 kids performed together on one stage. Please click here to see the segment that was created by Caroline Cornish for WCSH6 and aired on March 12, 2009.

The NY Times published this heartwarming story called “Keltic Dreams” that shows what an Irish music teacher has done in the Bronx with Irish dancing. Please click here to view the video.

A YouTube called “Art Education: Let Them Be Heard” was created by the Rhode Island Art Education Association and art students. Please click here to view the video.

“Jazz Bands to Compete for Good Cause” is a segment about the “All that Jazz” competition. This segment was created by Sarah Delage for WCSH6 and aired March 18, 2009. It features Old Town High School’s jazz band students and music teacher Jeffrey Priest. Please click here to view the video.  Please click here to read the article published yesterday, 3-30, in the Bangor Daily News about the state middle school jazz competition.  Click here.

There are hundreds of links to websites at the meartsed portaportal, including the ones above. Please click here and type in “meartsed” under “guest name” for access. Be sure and check out the list arts videos under YouTube.

New webpages at the Department of Education

One of the hats I wear at the Department is the opportunity to work with middle level education and educators. Ed Brazee, Mary Callan, Chris Toy and Jill Spencer have put the finishing touches on the middle level report called Bright Futures. The 50 page report was created by a Commission on Middle Level Education (23 educators) that was formed by the Department. It was presented to Commissioner Gendron in February 2009.

Bridge by Adriana, gr. 8, Skowhegan Middle School.

The report contains guidance for middle school education and educators that is based on research, best practices, and creative thinking. With the release of Bright Futures also comes Department webpages designated for middle level education that you can get to by clicking here. These pages will change and grow as information and resources become available. Please take a look and let us know what you think of the information on the webpages.

The report is posted in its entirety and by individual sections. A 18″x24″ poster is being created that contains the “Core Principles” and “Core Practices” that can be used by individuals, teams, and/or administrators to use in their middle level work.

Everyday at the Department of Education somebody is responsible for going through all of the newspapers in Maine and compiling the links to the education articles. I receive the list in my email box and I take a few minutes and scan the titles to see if there are any about arts education. It’s another way for me to “keep in touch”.

Today there were two. The first entitled “The day, Not Winning, is the Thing at the Maine Drama Festival” is an article about the opportunity that kids have to participate in the drama festival. This past Saturday, I had the chance to attend the Class B State Finals in Rockland for the afternoon and evening performances. They were all OUTSTANDING! The judges had a difficult job!!

For several years I have attended the regional event but this was my first state event. I was very impressed with the performances! I am always interested in watching the kids dismantle the set in their limited time period at the conclusion of each performance. I learn a lot about the students, the directors, how they collaborate and work cooperatively. In an odd sort of way this tells me so much about the learning that has taken place for each participant. It is often like a finely tuned machine, a part of the ‘whole experience’ that is crucial to the success of their show. Because if they don’t make it in the time allotted, they are immediately disqualified.

Most of the audience watched intensely at the conclusion of Ellsworth High School’s performance of “Metamorphosis” because they had a set that contained a pool of water that I am guessing was 8’x8′ and about 15″ deep. They used the water throughout the performance in a variety of very creative ways. They began to remove their set, each with their designated tasks, moving swiftly from on the stage to off the stage with each part, with ease. The water removal was the largest part of the take down. There was a snag in removing the water and I heard the director shout “bail”. The scene moved into fast forward as kids started scooping water with whatever they could to remove it. The audience, mostly standing at this point, reacted in a variety of ways. Some clasped their hands, others held their breath, all seemed to be sending them energy to go faster to complete their task in the time allotted. We heard the timer shout 1 minute and my heart skipped as the task seemed larger. A big sigh of disappointment went out as the timer called “times up” as the cast and crew were lugging out the carpet filled with heavy water.

The audience shared in their disappointment. As I wiped a tear from my cheek I couldn’t help to think about the power of arts education. The opportunity this experience provided for these students is one that they will never forget! The learning that took place may not seem worthwhile at the moment but hopefully over time these students will reflect on this incredible learning experience and put it in perspective. We all know, it really isn’t about the winning. The title of the article says it best: The day, Not Winning, is the Thing at the Maine Drama Festival”.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the students who participated and THANK YOU to all the theater educators for your dedication and passion to guide young people in this unique opportunity!

If you want to read more about the festival you can click here and read the 2009 Maine Drama Festival results and you can click here and read the article from the Bangor Daily News.

Bangor High School sings and the Space Station and Shuttle fly by.

I started my day in the House of Representatives with the Bangor chorus singing the National Anthem. They were wonderful and the members of the House agreed and gave the students a standing ovation! I had goosebumps and couldn’t help but wonder why some adults struggle with the value of arts education. I often find myself in awe of what music educators like George Redman, who lead the chorus, and Jackie Frisk, who joined the group for the trip down from Bangor, are able to do with students.

I had the pleasure of visiting Jackie in a 2nd grade class two years ago. She had a Chorus in the gym. The students were poised, happy and clearly excited about their participation. It was my first time seeing a 2nd grade chorus and I admit that it was difficult to see the children through my tears. Anyone who doubts what singing can do for young students, needs to watch Jackie in action.

During that visit to Bangor I also stopped in at the middle school to see George (before school) with a chorus. As he went through the warm-up drills with the students at 7:00 in the morning I was surprised at not only how alert the group was, but also engaged in their learning.

Space shuttle at night

After supper tonight, my husband and I stepped out on the deck at 7:38 to search the sky for the space shuttle and station overhead. Sure enough, as scheduled, at 7:41, we saw the bright, fast moving light come from the west, go overhead and disappear in the clear eastern sky. We watched in the still night, waved and called out (as if they could hear me) and I had the same sense of wonder swell up in my heart that I had for the students singing early this morning.

With relatively little effort the US puts people into space on a somewhat regular basis now, as compared to the first time Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. We understand the benefits of the space program and exploration yet some struggle with spending money for arts education. Is it the spending or the lack of understanding? Whatever it is, as the space program has struggled over the years, we, who believe, and understand the value of arts education need to continue to invite all to hear the music!

Did anyone else see the shuttle and space station go over Maine?

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2009, 9-3:00, POINT LOOKOUT, Northport, Maine. $60.

The Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA) and the Maine Department of Education are sponsoring a Visual Thinking Strategy (VTS) Workshop for Maine Art Teachers. The cost is $60 which includes the workshop, materials, lunch and break.

Visual Thinking Strategy:

• is a learner-centered method to examine and find meaning in art
• uses art to teach thinking, communication skills, and visual literacy
• encourages active classroom discussions and problem-solving
• uses thoughtful participation to nurture verbal language skills

Click here to learn more about VTS.

Participation is limited to 100 on a first come, first served basis. Contact hours provided.

Click here for more information and registration form.

If you have questions contact Cathy Melio at CMCA 236-2875 ext 303 or cmelio@cmcanow.org, or Argy Nestor 624-6825 or argy.nestor@maine.gov

Jayne at the Hall of Flags ceremony, State House

CONGRATULATIONS to Jayne and Greg!

On Friday, March 13th I had the pleasure of attending the Hall of Flags ceremony celebrating the work of 14 teachers who have been nominated for the 2010 Maine Teacher of the Year. Among the group are music educator Jayne Quinn Sawtelle and theatre educator Greg Scot Mihalik.

Jayne teaches music Grades, K-5 at Fred P. Hall Elementary School in Portland. At Jayne’s school in Portland students speak more than 20 languages so she incorporates a wide spectrum of traditions, instruments, songs and dances that enhance all students’ knowledge, appreciation and respect for the rich multiculturalism of the school community. Her enthusiasm does not end when the school bell rings. She organizes a community chorus, conducts a middle school jazz ensemble, and leads a steel drum band. You can learn more about Jayne’s program at her blog at http://blogs.portlandschools.org/sawtej/

Greg at the Teacher of the Year supper.

Greg teaches theater, grades 9-12 at Nokomis High School. The adage that “people make programs” truly represents what Greg did for the theater program at Nokomis. He puts is ninth through twelfth graders in the director’s chair, allowing them to create, direct and produce high quality theater productions. Greg teaches with so much energy it spills over into every inch of the classroom, leaving no student unaffected.

Please join me in congratulating Jayne and Greg in their nomination and wish them good luck as they progress in the process for Maine’s 2010 Maine Teacher of the Year!

Twenty works of art selected!

There were 184 photographs submitted to be considered for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) screen saver for the 2009-10 image. The judges, including an art teacher, photographer and college professor were part of the selection process. Twenty photographs were selected from the following schools: Bangor High School, Maranacook Middle School, Waterville High School, Wells High School, Mt. Ararat High School, Mt. View Junior High School, Brunswick and Brewer High School.

Congratulations to the students whose work was selected and thank you teachers! I am thrilled with the quality of the work submitted and am VERY excited about Maine student artwork being placed on the 43,000 (and maybe another 57,000) MLTI laptops. I have one photograph posted below and you can click here and see the other 19 that were selected.

Max Clark, photographer, Mt. View Jr. High School

What a weekend!

I rushed home on Friday afternoon so I could leave for the Maine Drama Festival at Camden Hills High School. As I settled into my seat I had goose bumps as I imagined the over 1000 students sitting in auditoriums and performing arts centers in nine locations throughout Maine all participating in the festival.

Strom Auditorium audience, photo by Dagney Ernest

I watched as George Stevens Academy, Georges Valley High School and Erskine Academy students performed to a packed audience. The sets, costumes, make-up, sound and light effects, and acting were outstanding. I was ready for some light hearted fun and the evening ended with Erskine Academy’s very funny performance of Why I Shouldn’t Eat Chili Before I Go To Bed. I left feeling content and was sorry I couldn’t return on Saturday afternoon and evening to watch the remaining One-Act performances. Congratulations to all the students and teachers and many others who helped make the festival so successful!

The state finals are scheduled for March 20 and 21st. Class A will be held at Bangor High School and Class B will be held at Rockland High School. For the regional results please go to the Maine Drama Festival web page. The festival is coordinated by the Maine Drama Council and the Maine Principals’ Association.

On Saturday night I traveled to the Portland Museum of Art to attend the opening of the annual State Youth Art Month (YAM) exhibit. The excitement of the students and the pride of the parents was evident as students in grades K through grade 12 located their art work on display in the 4 different exhibit spaces.

I noticed many students standing by their art work for a photo opportunity that will help them remember for years to come the special moment in time. And each student was recognized in the auditorium during a ceremony when they were called to the stage to receive their certificate and art pin.

Congratulations and a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Stacy Rodenberger, Coordinator of School Programs for the museum and Maine Art Education Association, Manon Lewis and Tory Tyler-Millar, YAM exhibit coordinators.

The exhibit will remain until March 29th. Endorsed by the National Art Education Association, Youth Art Month, is a national annual observance, to emphasize the value of art education for all children and to encourage support for quality school art programs.

Ever wonder about a teacher who influenced you?

Just after the 1st of January I received a surprise email forwarded by a friend of my family. It was from my high school art teacher, Bruce Aydelotte. Attached to the email was a picture of the two of us from 38 years ago. In the photo Mr. Aydelotte is demonstrating pen and ink and I was standing next to him wearing one of my favorite outfits, a Mondrian dress. I am sure those of you who went to high school during that era remember those dresses. Don’t I wish I still had that dress today! I loved it. And everyone liked Mr. Aydelotte. He was young and could relate to students, he was good looking and his class was interesting and fun. Everyone was engaged and focused in their learning. Regardless of whether students had Mr. Aydelotte as a teacher or not, they all knew him because he drove a really cool Porsche. When he left the high school at the end of my sophomore year it was a surprise and a disappointment to many of us.

Needless to say, an email from him contributed to the start of my happy new year and has given us a chance to catch up on the years since 1970. We’ve exchanged emails, Bruce has sent pictures of him, his family, his visits to Maine, and his cars. When I opened a picture of him with his two beautiful daughters in front of his 65th birthday cake, I realized that I’ve aged. (Imagine?!) He explained that he has had numerous old cars over the years and enjoys going to car shows. After leaving teaching he took a variety of paths, one was to graduate school. It turns out he did his masters program where I did my undergraduate degree and was there during the same time. He returned to education as a guidance counselor.

How many of you have a teacher you think about but have no idea how to get in touch or even know if the person is still alive? In my first email to him I mentioned how I often asked students if they’ve thanked the teachers who have meant a lot to them, the teachers who have influenced them in a career or personal choice, the ones who had or still do support them? Here, I had that opportunity to walk down memory lane and thank Mr. Aydelotte for teaching me, not just about art, but about life. I know that each of you have taught so much more than techniques and skills, but also about life. I thanked him for sharing his knowledge of calligraphy, something I still love. In some small way by thanking Mr. Aydelotte I have reached out to other teachers. Mr. Aydelotte lives near where I grew up so hopefully when I visit relatives we’ll have a chance to get together.

I realize this opportunity would never have happened if it wasn’t for technology. We are fortunate to be Maine educators with the technology we have. So, how about you? If you are like me and don’t live near where you grew up or don’t see your teachers, consider locating them so you also can, THANK A TEACHER!

VSA arts Call for Student Art – DEADLINE this Friday, March 6th!!

VSA arts and CVS Caremark All Kids Can are encouraging children and youth to share their creativity by submitting artwork to All Kids Can CREATE!, a national call for visual art. The theme, Celebrating Who I Am, invites young people with and without disabilities across the United States to create visual art about their interests, talents, and dreams. All artwork submitted before the March 6, 2009 deadline will be included in an online art gallery. One artwork from each state and the District of Columbia will be displayed in a national touring exhibitions that will debut June 2009 in Washington, D.C. 10 of the selected artists will be invited to a congressional reception to celebrate the opening of the exhibition.

Teachers, by submitting your students artwork, you are eligible to receive $1000 for your classroom. In addition, VSA arts of Maine will be awarding the two students whose works are chosen to represent the state of Maine with $50 gift certificates to the art supply store of their choice.

Please visit the vsa site for more information, including eligibility, entry instructions and a link to the online application. Please contact Jennifer Wexler, visual arts manager, at jcwexler@vsarts.org or (202) 628-2800 x3885 with questions.