Arts Education Advocacy Day
March 4, 2009YAHOOOOO for Trudy Wilson and Rick Ash!
Many visual and performing arts educators work tirelessly for years expecting little or no recognition. Once in a while we have the chance to celebrate their exemplary work. On Monday, March 9, 2009, two people will be honored for their dedication and commitment to young people and arts education!
Trudy receiving her award!
Dr. Trudy Wilson, art education professor at USM, will receive the 2009 Bill Bonyun Artist/Educator Award. Veteran theater educator, Rick Ash, from Camden Hills Regional High School will receive the Honored Nominee citation.
Rick receiving his award.
Arts Education Advocacy Day at the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta is sponsored by the Maine Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE).
Speaking and presenting the awards will be First Lady Karen Baldacci. The activities, scheduled for 11-1:00, will include displays by arts education organizations, artists/educators and a chance to meet and greet legislators.
Dr. Wilson’s exemplary work includes developing a strong undergraduate art education program at USM, being a founding member of the Arts are Basic Coalition, serving as President of the Maine Art Education Association, and serving on the panel for Maine Learning Results revisions.
Mr. Ash is the theater and technical theater teacher at Camden Hills Regional High School. Ash is held in high esteem by students, parents and teachers. Carol Trimble, Executive of MAAE said: “For the past 28 years Rick Ash has shown outstanding commitment and enthusiasm for teaching the art and craft of theater to hundreds of students. His ability to engage all students in theater arts is remarkable and inspiring.
The Maine Alliance for Arts Education is the only statewide professional organization that works to strengthen educational excellence in all the arts: music, visual art, dance, theater, and writing. For more information visit the MAAE site or email the organization.
I have known Trudy and Rick for several years, calling on both of them to answer questions, requesting feedback, and tapping into their wisdom and experience as arts educators. They have each put their heart and soul into their work that impacts Maine students, educators and arts education! I am sooooooooooo proud to know them and offer my warmest CONGRATULATIONS on this well deserved recognition!! THANK YOU!!
Congratulations to Rick Ash! I have had the pleasure of working with Rick for 10 years and I can think of no other person so deserving of this recognition. Rick is tireless in his advocacy for students. Many of his students have gone on to be leaders at their respective colleges in fields of lighting, sound and set design. He brings professionals into the school to work hand in hand with students – often giving our lucky students experiences of a life-time. Rick is the consummate educator – “not giving the students one fish to eat, but teaching them how to fish for life!”
It is great that we have this opportunity to recognize Trudy for all of her work on behalf of kids and schools during her time at USM! Others should be recognized as well but I am glad to have this chance to show Trudy that we appreciate her efforts.
Trudy is one of the most influential and memorable college professors Maine has had. Her contributions and encouraging approach to teaching has touched many lives. The teachers she has trained now pass on her extraordinary energy to those that they teach .. and the ripples spread out.
Thank you for taking time to recognize and honor Trudy for her wonderful career work. Blessings, Trudy!
For a number of years Trudy as worked behind the scenes and in the front rows to improve and enhance arts education throughout our state and beyond. As a past-president of the MAEA she has dedicated untold time toward benefitting all of us in arts education and bringing so many of us together for common purpose. The artwork you create as a teaching artist is also as innovative and cutting-edge as your education practices!
Thank you Trudy, for all your time and efforts… you deserve this honor more than anyone!
Thank you Trudy for all of your work and dedication. I would not be where I am today if not for you and your support. There could not be a more deserving honoree.
Rick Ash’s inspiration and passion for the performing arts have inspired countless students to get involved in theater and, for many, to make it their profession. For the past 28 years he has challenged high school students to learn the technical skills of theater and then to apply creativity and imagination
to the challenges. He motivates students by giving them responsibility and trust, and students respond with dedication and hard work.
Congratulations to Rick Ash on receiving this recognition from MAAE !
Receiving this award was very nice – I feel very honored. But, you know, I am what I am because I’ve worked with the best arts educators in the world. My sincere thanks to all of you.
Hi, Argy
I like to read your stuff. I was happy to read some of your experiences with singing. I’m keeping in touch and listening for the singing. Good work.
Ray Miller (the guy with the funny things you wear on your ears to hear what you’re doing.)
Hi Ray! I have shared your “funny things you wear on your ears” with many educators. I hope you are doing well. Thank you for your comment!
I met Trudy many years ago at Haystack and have come to know her as a friend and colleague. She is one of the most outspoken advocates for art. Her teachings at USM produce young art educators that will carry on the “torch”. Yeah, Trudy!
I was Trudy’s mentor for her doctoral dissertation at Indiana University. She, I, and some colleagues have met at the NAEA Convnetion for dinner for many years. She was missed this year. Trudy is a most dedicated and caring art educator who is always willing to help promote the profession. She has told me about her work in furthering policy for art education at the state level. In addition, she has touched many of her students’ and colleagues’ lives by her concern for each individual she has mentored and collaborated with in Maine and beyond. She is most deserving of this award!
Trudy Wilson exemplifies all the outstanding qualities of extraordinary art education and leadership for the field. She has earned this recognition and deserves it for all of her contributions. I was a fellow doctoral student with Trudy at Indiana University and I depended on her then and now for continuing mentorship and guidance. As President-Elect of the National Art Education Association and on behalf of our membership, I commend Trudy’s tireless service, inspirational teaching, and exceptional scholarly contributions to the field of art education. Well done, Trudy!
There’s that saying about standing on the shoulders of giants when thinking about how one got to do the things they’ve done. Well, I learned from giants (Enid), went to school with giants (Bob), and work with giants now (the art teachers I know here in Maine). Some of what they do rubbed off on me. I’m very lucky!