Tag: classes

meaningFUL People :: Vivian interview with Ida Bergson :: ARTFUL March 2016

ARTFUL is excited to introduce our first installment of meaningFUL People! Art education plays a key role in the education and development of children. meaningFUL People is an opportunity for children, of all ages, to sit down with the teachers who help them express themselves through creativity and to show the world how their art education is an important facet of their lives.

Our first video features Vivian, a third grader at Canterbury Elementary School in Cleveland Heights. Vivian sat down with her art teacher, Ida Bergson, to ask her some questions about being a teacher.

Every Friday, students at Canterbury Elementary School practice “Creative Arts Fridays”. A unique collaboration between teachers allows students to learn in new and interesting ways. For more info, please read the article on the CHUH website.

If you are a student, or have a child that would be interested in making a video for meaningFUL people, please email us at meaningful@artfulcleveland.org.

 

 

meaningFUL people MAIN IMG 2016

 

Concerned Parent in Regard to the CH-UH Reduction in Force

As an avid supporter of CHUH schools, as a mother and as an artist I feel that it is important to comment on the current art staff reduction at Cleveland Heights High School. The public statement  says that it is reducing the art staff by 1 position. The reality is that two art teachers would be losing their jobs. Outside of elementary education, each aspiring teacher is qualified to teach specific kinds of art.  Ms. Raack is a ceramics teacher.  Ms. Skehan is a drawing and painting instructor.  
To the school board all the studio arts are lumped together, but I ask you, would you want to learn calculus from a english teacher? Or violin from a drummer? 
Some kids find their voice with a paintbrush, some on the pottery wheel, some with metal, others with wood.  As a budding artist myself, I sought refuge in the photography darkroom and behind a lens.
The tactile art forms help to shape a young persons view of their own world. Finding confidence in an art keeps kids interested in learning, and coming back to school.  I know for many young people the art room becomes a safe place to be different while still fitting in.
Cleveland Heights is the “Home of the Arts.” We must keep arts education strong so we can compete with other systems and keep the Arts here.
I encourage future parents, current parents and community members to engage in this conversation. Research the impact of the arts on young minds and learn more about the plans to continue to educate our children in the future.
Sincerely,

Shannon