Artwork by Maggie Redepenning
|
by LORI ORTEGA
Why is arts education so important? It not only cultivates imagination, self-expression, and creativity, but also plays an important role in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Student participation in music, visual arts, and dance is linked to better performance in many subject areas. Arts education provides our students with a balanced curriculum that is a fundamental component of comprehensive learning for grades K – 12.
National PTA believes that all children deserve a quality arts education. The annual PTA Reflections program was started in 1969 by then Colorado PTA President Mary Lou Anderson in response to parents wanting to further support the arts in schools and provide students with another way to be creative and showcase their talents. During its 40 year history, Reflections has encouraged millions of students across the country to explore their artistic side through the interpretation of a theme. This theme changes every year and the students are required to develop their artwork around it. This year the theme was “Beauty is….” and students in Winona enjoyed reflecting upon what they thought would represent beauty.
Local PTA units in each participating school sponsor and coordinate Reflections. Students from grades K -12 enter forms of artwork in six categories which include visual arts, photography, creative writing, dance choreography, video, and music. This year there were nearly 650 entries combined, more than any other city in Minnesota. Professional and amateur judges sift through wonderful entries to decide which pieces go to the state-level competition in February. The artistic talent is evident in each school, and every year there are winners from Winona schools that proceed to national competition in Washington, D.C.
Each PTA has its own unique way to celebrate student’s works of art at the end of the contest, including displaying all entries on a “Museum Wall” within the school or hanging artwork in a local business. PTA supports programs that create public awareness of the arts and integration of the arts in educational curriculum. Supporting the Reflections program is a great way to promote the arts in home, school, and in the community.
|
