me arts ed

Certainly you know someone who deserves to be thanked!

A message from Carol Trimble, Executive Director of the Maine Alliance for Arts Education

Trudy Wilson, 2009 Award Winner

Submit Your Nominations by January 19!
Maine is fortunate to have many dedicated and skilled arts educators as well as many articulate and persistent advocates for arts education. And we all know that these people rarely get the recognition they deserve. But you have the opportunity to shine a light on someone you know who should be recognized. You have until January 19 to submit nominations for the Maine Alliance for Arts Education’s annual awards for arts teachers, administrators, artist-educators, parents, community members, and schools. The winners will be recognized in a special ceremony during Arts Education Advocacy Day in the State Capitol.

2008 Award Winners, Kimberly Pearson, Kal Elmore, and Joan Staffiere with Karen Baldacci

The Bill Bonyun Artist/Educator Award will be given to an artist, parent, community member or teacher who is making a positive impact on arts education through significant contributions to the arts in our schools. Who do you know who has shown outstanding commitment and dedicated service in arts education, exemplified talent and professionalism as an artist or arts advocate, and been an inspiration to students, teachers, and the community?  Help us shine a light on their work!

The Outstanding Administrator Advocate for Arts Education Award will be given to an administrator who has shown outstanding leadership and support of the arts, established exemplary or innovative arts educational programs, and promoted the importance of arts in education for every child. Let us know about that supportive administrator who should be recognized!

The Schools of Excellence in Arts Education Award, given by the Maine Alliance for Arts Education in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network, recognizes schools that have done an outstanding job of making the arts an essential part of education. Isn’t it time to nominate your school?!

You can see in the faces of past award winners the importance of recognizing the inspired work of one of Maine’s great resources—arts educators and arts education advocates.  Please help us provide that recognition!  Submit your nomination soon. Nomination forms and award descriptions are available on MAAE’s website at http://www.maineartsed.org .  If you have questions about nominations, feel free to contact me at ctrimble@maineartsed.org

Looking forward to hearing about those deserving recognition!

Good-bye 2009, Hello 2010

A 2010 sunset

Periodically I receive emails that touch me deeply. Just before Christmas one came from veteran music educator Ed Boynton from Fort Kent. Even though the holiday is passed and my decorations are back in the attic, the lights in my windows linger on for several more nights. So, I find it appropriate starting this new year to share Ed’s story (with his permission, of course).

Our Chorus (nine females and one very brave male) did a one hour performance at a local nursing home Friday.  I think what still astounds me as an educator is that the students spent an extra hour just visiting with the patients.  When I returned to the nursing home on Sunday (to visit a former teacher of mine) I was greeted with hugs and praise from the staff and patients and thanks for bringing the chorus up (we do this almost every year, and the reaction is always the same.)

After over thirty years in education, I am still in awe over the talents and hearts of our students.  All ten of our Chorus students and several of our Chamber Chorus students visit the nursing homes regularly.  And like the proverbial seed, those who join chorus and aren’t regular nursing home visitors often become regular patrons of the elderly.

Our young people are modern miracles – yes Argy, there is a Santa Claus (just couldn’t resist that line!).

I know many of you have at least one similar story. Please share it with me by email or in the comment section of the blog.

Best Wishes for a GLORIOUS 2010! I know that some days there will be struggles but that the successes and experiences you provide for young people in arts education will impact students’ lives, and yours, over and over again.

Opens January 23rd

Maine Art Education Association is having their 2010 Teacher’s Exhibition at the Saco Museum. The opening is scheduled for January 23rd. MAEA members are invited to submit one piece of artwork for the show. The drop off dates are January 9th and 11th at the museum. Below is some of the work that has been submitted. The show opens on January 23rd. Don’t miss this opportunity to show your work.

Sculpture by Lynn Shulman

Collage by Robin Brooks

CONGRATULATIONS to Heidi and

Visual Arts Educator, Heidi O’Donnell from Belfast High School, Music Educators Deb Large from Hall Dale High School and Kim Murphy from Camden Hills High School have successfully completed their National Board Certification!

The process is long and tedious, but very rewarding. It is awesome they have made it through successfully! Please join me in CONGRATULATING them for their accomplishment! I am certain they would be glad to answer your questions about the process!

Deb Large

Kim Murphy

Heidi O'Donnell