Art Paper Scissors

2009 State of the Arts Survey April 2009

In March and April of 2009 a cross section of art teachers throughout the

United States

were asked to share their views on the state of art education. The survey group spanned grade levels 0 through 8. 

Summary of Findings

Most respondents reported that the state of art education was about the same, a smaller number felt that art education was getting worse. A fortunate few reported that art education in their area had improved.

 

Obama's 2010 proposed budget gives 4% boost to NEA

The Los Angeles Times reports this good news in an article published on May 7th.

Mike Boehm wrotte: "The National Endowment for the Arts would get a 4% raise under President Obama's federal budget proposal for the coming 2010 fiscal year.

This increase would continue the modest growth implemented under George W. Bush after the 1990s "Culture Wars" brought drastic reductions from which the agency still has not nearly recovered." Read More

New Jersey Art teacher selected as 2008-2009 ‘Teacher of the Year’

ELEANOR MATHEWS, Contributing Writer for the Echoes-Sentinel reports:

WARREN TWP. – Joan Thomson, a 26-year veteran art teacher at Wathung Hills Regional High School, has been named the school’s “Teacher of the Year.”

Thomson is very definite in her belief in the importance and benefits of art education.

“Art helps young people define who they are,” she says. “It encourages them to take pride and satisfaction in their individuality.”

 Read More about Art Teacher of the Year on the Echoes-Sentinel Web Site

        NJ.com also covered the story about this teacher

Photo Compliments of Eleanor Mathews.

Great Wall of Brooklyn Public Art Project Launched Today

The Great Wall of Brooklyn in Fort Green is a public art project founded by Charlotta Janssen, an international artist, business woman and arts advocate.

It will feature the work of Brooklyn-based and international artists.

The first display is a work entitled, Achtung Baby… Here Comes the Next Great Depression,” originally developed as a painting, and transferred into a digital mural, for the Great Wall.  The Great Wall of Brooklyn Web Site

This is from American for the Arts

We received this today from American for the Arts if you have not seen it please read.

May 7, 2009 Dear Diana: President Obama today released the final details of his FY 2010 budget request to Congress which includes the nation’s cultural agencies and programs, including the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), Institute for Museums and Library Services (IMLS), and the Department of Education’s Arts in Education program. Write your members of Congress and tell them to support funding for these cultural agencies.

Art Suite Latest to Open in Expanded High School

With all the grim news of cuts in art education it is wonderful to see something like this.

As reported by By Andrea Iglar in the Pittsburg Post-Gazette.


Here students take class at the new art studio at West Allegheny High School.

It features hugh windows for ambient light. Art students are settling into their corner of West Allegheny High School's new, 24-classroom wing, the most recently completed part of a $25 million expansion project in North Fayette.

Lee County Florida Forced to Cut Art Education Funding

We are always saddened to hear news like this. Evan Williams reporting for Florida Weekly in a story titled  Art on the Chopping Block says that in spite of the clear value and importance of art education in elementary schools, current budget short falls are forcing school administrators to cut funding.

"Art and music are not something we're given money for," Dr. Browder said. "We have to pay for that above (state funding).

"I'm indignant that I have to do this to children. I'm absolutely not in favor of cutting it. It's the wrong thing to do. However, when you have the potential of $50 to $70 million in reductions, you have to go to those areas where you are above the formula. Is it the best situation? No. But it's something that we can manage."

One way to take action to prevent this is to contact your Florida State Senators and Representatives.

Here is how.

Arts Cuts Prompt a Former Governor to Act

Former Gov. Tom Kean, a Republican popular in New Jersey for his leadership and the nation for his work on the 9/11 Commission, hardly ever says anything publicly about other governors, but he isn't keeping quiet about Gov. Jon S. Corzine's plan to cut arts funding. MyCentralJersey.com

He, Corzine wants to cut arts funding to $14.4 million, Kean wants arts advocates to sue if the funding isn't restored to at least the minimum $16 million. He may file suit himself, he said.

Texas Senate OKs crackdown on replacing fine arts, other classes with test preparation

Terrence Stutz reporting for The Dallas Morning News

The Senate voted unanimously Thursday to crack down on the widespread practice in Texas schools of pulling students out of art, music and other enrichment classes to cram for the TAKS test.

Legislation drafted by Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, would require all school districts to "strictly enforce" a policy limiting the removal of students from regular classes to receive test preparation or remedial tutoring.

"The practice of pulling students from fine arts and other classes has become increasingly widespread and I'm hearing complaints from schools across the state," Shapiro said.

Her bill, approved on a 31-0 vote and sent to the House, also would prohibit giving students in all grade levels credit for a class unless the student is in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered. Read More

Cray-Pas® Wonderful, Colorful, World Contest 2009 Winners

We are pleased to share the winners of Sakura of America’s wonderful, Colorful World of Cray-Pas® 2009 Contest.

Out of over four thousands of submissions, artwork of one hundred and fifty finalists, highlighting nine winners and honorable mentions, have been selected and on display at the Museum of Children’s Art, Oakland, California from January 31 to March 15, 2009.

The finalist's artwork and a video of the artwork are posted online in the Cray-Pas Contest Gallery at: www.sakuraofamerica.com/contest-winners