The idea behind this grant is to convince corporations that there is a need
for art in rural communities. No, we don't have the gangs, pollution,
violence, etc etc etc that are filling the newspapers everyday. What we do
have is a lack of funding because of our limited population. This program is
in it's infancy - only those schools who are actively involved in the
Anneburg Rural Challenge were invited to attend this particular conference.
The next stage (the one I'm hoping I'm chosen for!) is where 2 people from
each of the 10 regions will get together in Washington DC in June to write
the grant proposal. From there I don't know what will happen. The website
for all of this is http://www.ruraledu.org .
As a rural art teacher we share many of the same concerns. I fear that if
there is a budget cut, my program will be eliminated. Already, pe and music
are being looked at for cutting their time with the students. I am therefore
wanting to make my program vital to the curriculum in the eyes of the
administration, school board, and community members. One project that I am
going to begin is to have each of my K-12 classes "adopt" a business. They
will create artwork that will be displayed in the businesses (naturally I am
going to have permission/cooperation from these businesses prior to
beginning!), create cards and write letters to the businesses telling about
what they are learning. My HS classes will create logos, business cards,
letterheads, and brochures for their business, using skills learned in my
class. I also want to look into having my students study different artists
and to paint the windows of closed businesses in the style of these artists.
I am going to create a traveling museum that will contain a variety of
objects/artworks from our area - I'll send more info to the list later on
this one). I am going to concentrate more on publishing our exciting
activities in the local newspaper. I am also going to have my HS students
create a K-12 creative arts booklet, with artwork, poetry, and creative
writings. If I still have the energy, I will have an art's fair next year
(as opposed to an art show - more interactive). I am looking for more ideas
to get art into the community - if anyone has more ideas I would love to
hear them.
~Michal
whest177@wheatstate.com
http://www.geocities.com/theartkids
> How can I get some info on this?
> thanks so much from another art teacher in rural america where air is
> moist and warm from the newly melted snows, the grass is cool and green,
> and the clear skies are blooming blues all over. Some folks think we're
> deprived, but I shore wouldn't trade one day in rural America for the
> green back paper they throw around in those concrete, polluted cities.
> ann
