On this Thanksgiving I am grateful to all the visual and performing arts educators in schools and communities who are sharing the love you have for the arts with learners of all ages. Me and my pet turkey send you warm wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving from our grateful hearts!
Thanksgiving by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
We ought to make the moments notes Of happy, glad Thanksgiving; The hours and days a silent phrase Of music we are living. And so the theme should swell and grow As weeks and months pass o’er us, And rise sublime at this good time, A grand Thanksgiving chorus.
In October I was grateful for the opportunity to attend the announcement of the 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year, Becky Hallowell, at Wiscasset Elementary School. Congratulations Becky! Earlier in the year Becky was selected as the 2024 Lincoln County Teacher of the Year along with 15 other Maine teachers representing counties. Becky is known for her dedication to place-based and project learning, her mentorship of new educators and her love of the outdoors, Hallowell strives to connect her students to their environment and their community.
Commissioner of Education Pender Makin and 2025 Maine Teacher of the Year Becky Hallowell
The excitement was high from the start that October morning when Becky led her 4th grade class into the gym. The pride on the faces of the students and staff was evident and there was no holding the excitement back. The gathering in the gym was filled with smiles, enthusiasm and lots of music and movement. I was impressed with the spirit of joy that was evident throughout the ceremony.
Becky has been teaching at Wiscasset Elementary School for the last 10 years. She graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington and has been teaching in total for 30 years. Becky will be a wonderful ambassador for all Maine teachers during the 2025 year.
The focus on students was wonderful to see. They had a dance party, which I understand from music teacher Carole Drury, that is something that happens on a regular basis. Everyone was up on their feet singing and dancing. The elementary chorus prepared a special song for the school community and guests. Carole’s attention to detail with the program was appreciated!
Maine’s Teacher of the Year program is administered by Educate Maine. Selected from the 16 County Teachers of the Year each fall, the Maine Teacher of the Year becomes the most visible ambassador of the teaching profession in the state. They are invited to serve on various committees, participate in many program and events, and speak on a number of occasions in Maine.
The Maine Teacher of the Year represents Maine in the National Teacher of the Year Program (NTOY), administered by the Chief Council of State School Officers (CCSSO). State Teachers of the Year participate in the National Teacher of the Year Induction Program, Washington DC Recognition Week (includes a White House ceremony), International Space Camp and the Next Steps Conference at Princeton University.
I love attending the high school musicals in the fall. It never fails, I walk away every time thinking, WOW, I am so impressed that high schoolers rise to the level of a great performance. Many of the actors are not new to the stage yet others are just beginning. As you know – the voices, costumes, set, acting, make up, lights, sound, and music are all critical components of the final performance. I am aware that bringing together all of the pieces can be very challenging. When the curtain goes up most people in the audience are not aware of what it takes to create the fall musical. Schedules, illness, grades, transportation, a willingness and commitment from everyone involved (students and adults), and other factors contribute. I was fortunate to have first hand knowledge helping some with middle school plays and again when my own sons were in high school, one on stage and the other on tech I supported in many ways. They both were part of community theatre as well. The commitment that students and staff and parents contribute is enormous. At some level it is collaboration at its VERY best. Perhaps our community (and beyond) leaders should take a close look at theatre programs.
I know that some (perhaps many) will not agree with me when I say IF we could only have one discipline of visual and performing arts education in schools, I’d pick Theatre, every time. Think about it – visual arts students work on the design of the stage, set, program, and costumes. Music students play in the pit band and on stage singing. Dance students are moving. Media Arts students are creating the sound and lights. Theatre students are center stage. I especially love it when the hesitant students are needed to take on a part and right in front of our eyes they grow into the role.
Why do I feel strongly about every student being involved in the theatre program? Besides involving all the arts disciplines it allows learners to literally and figuratively move to the edge (of themselves and the stage). It encourages them to take a chance and challenge themselves. Throughout the “play” process they engage in problem solving and improvising. Let us not forget the literature they are learning, not by reading script and keeping it inside, but speaking and putting into action the words and lines and story. They synthesize, analyze, ideating as the play formulates over a period of months. The story builds within each participate as they learn their positions and parts. Without the others on stage with them it doesn’t come to fruition. They depend on each other to help provide what the audience sees, hears, experiences and in the end hopefully, appreciates. The climax is the applause and perhaps a standing ovation that helps them realize, all the time and commitment they’ve made IS appreciated and worth it! I can tell when I look into their faces during the curtain call, the pride is evident. Sitting in the audience is me smiling from ear to ear. Even though I may not know the actors, musicians, dancers, and artists who made it happen, I can feel their pride.
Whether you have children of your own in high school or not I encourage you to find out when and where the plays in your area are scheduled. Don’t let another fall musical season pass without attending at least one. Below are some listed (some have passed) that I am aware of at this time. If you’d like one added to the list please email me (Argy Nestor) at meartsed@gmail.com.
Medomak Valley High School, Waldoboro, Guys and Dolls, last performance today, November 10, 2:00. Learn more!
Camden Hills Regional High School, Strom Auditorium, Into the Woods, November 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Learn more!
Freeport High School, Mamma Mia, November 8 and 9.
Thornton Academy, Saco, Little Women, November 22-24. Learn more!
Falmouth High School, Mean Girls High School Edition!, October 25, 26, 27, November 1, 2, 3.
Oceanside High School, Rockland, Legally Blond The Musical, November 8, 9, 15, 16, 17. Learn more!
Mount Desert Island High School, Chicago, November 15, 16, 22, 23. Learn more!
Fryeburg Academy, Amelie the Musical, November 14, 15, 16. Learn more!
Lake Region High School, Little Shop of Horrors, January 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26. Learn more!
Mt. Ararat High School, Topsham, Our Town, December 6-8, and Spring musical Mamma Mia, March 7-9. Learn more!
Last week I had the opportunity to join retired art teachers in Portland. We visited galleries, had lunch together and most importantly we spent time catching up and had conversations on many topics. It was a treat to learn about the art they’re making, what art organizations they are affiliated with, and how they spend time appreciating life after teaching.
I realize readers of this blog are at different places in their career. Some of you are retired, some veteran teachers, others at the beginning and some in the middle of your careers. I have learned from substitute teaching that teaching today is different. The challenges are different; from curriculum to learners to community, both local and beyond. I also know that the arts classrooms are still safe places for many and in some cases the only room and sometimes the only teacher in school who are open and supportive to all learners. Striving to maintain this can be a challenge in itself. However, what you do is critical and I appreciate your work.
What the arts teach us is impactful throughout a person’s life. I’ve been working on a community project that has dragged on. I know its my skills as a teacher and an artist that have helped me continue working on the project and seeing it to fruition. Working collaboratively is not easy and what I’ve learned over the years collaborative work doesn’t come easy to most. Again, it is critical, especially in this era of political battles. I am reminded over and over that quality arts education programs and access to it for all learners is absolutely necessary.
If you’re in the classroom think about what a retired arts educator could do to support your important work. And, if you’re retired reach out to an arts teacher and offer your assistance. Together you can be strong advocates for arts education. After all, we know that ‘none of us is as smart as all of us’. Let’s continue to work together for the excellent arts programs to be at the heart of schools.
If you’re a retired art teacher and are not on the email list to learn about gatherings please email me at meartsed@gmail.com.
Bates Mill, Lewiston, Maine, November 15-December 15
On the eve of the most important election of my life I think its most appropriate to be sharing the following information with you. The entire collection of over 270 Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits will be on display at the Bates Mill in Lewiston, Maine, November 15 to December 15. This special exhibition of American figures—ranging from historical icons to contemporary activists— stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of integrity, courage, and truth in democracy. Using the power of art, artist Robert Shettlerly illuminates the ongoing challenge to realize America’s democratic ideals and model the commitment to act for the common good. This exhibit invites visitors to engage with the portraits and stories of individuals who have made significant sacrifices to speak truth to power.
Each portrait is accompanied by a quote that captures the essence of the subjects’ personal stories and their commitment to truth. This collection includes renowned leaders such as Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, as well as modern-day activists.
The Bates Mill, an iconic structure in Lewiston, serves as an inspiring backdrop for this exhibit. Once a hub of textile manufacturing, the mill has been repurposed into a cultural space that fosters creativity and community engagement.
From guided tours to panel discussions featuring portrait subjects and local activists to education and art workshops for students and teachers, the exhibit is designed to be interactive and thought-provoking, encouraging people to engage deeply with the themes presented in the portraits.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Exhibit Opening The exhibit opening will be on Friday, November 15, 5 – 7 p.m. at the Bates Mill, 35 Canal St., Lewiston, ME. Attendees will have the opportunity to spend time viewing the portraits before a brief program starts at 5:45. The program will include an introduction to AWTT by Robert Shetterly, brief comments from several portrait subjects, and a description of other programs offered during the month.
Teacher Workshop AWTT will offer a workshop for educators on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 3 – 5:30 p.m. The workshop will feature time to view all 270 AWTT portraits, an opportunity to interact with AWTT education programs and lessons, and a panel discussion facilitated by Benjamin Perry. Registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1038863898887? Space is limited so register today!
Additional Opportunities
There will be opportunities for educators, students, and community groups to have a scheduled docent-led tour of the exhibit as well as additional self-guided activities and resources to facilitate interactions with this exhibit. If you would like to schedule a docent-facilitated visit to the exhibit, please contact Connie Carter atconnie@americanswhotellthetruth.org.
Donate to support this Show
If you are interested in supporting the exhibit in Lewiston, we are seeking donations to support the installation of the full 270 + portraits as well as programing for schools, teachers, and community events. Please visit our website americanswhotellthetruth.org/donate/ to donate online towards this show. Or, Venmo AWTT your fully tax deductible donation @americanswhotellthetruth.org. Please note that your donation is for the Lewiston AWTT show.
Americans Who Tell the Truth continually demonstrates, from our most recent and past history, the challenges that we face to realize America’s democratic ideals. No matter the outcomes of tomorrow’s presidential election we must work towards coming together as one America and act for the common good!
Argy Nestor
Arts Educator, Blogger, Artist, Connector meartsed@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/view/anestor/
Argy’s Blog
The purpose of this blog is to share stories about people and places; and to celebrate the amazing work (and play) that students, educators, and organizations are doing in and for arts education. In addition, the blog has a plethora of resources and innovative ideas. This forum gives blog readers the opportunity to learn from each other. It is essential that we listen, learn, and collaborate in order to build on teaching practices for the benefit of every learner in Maine and beyond.
