Visiting Artists open students’ pathways to creativity
Once again, Taos Municipal Schools made the students’ creative talents shine
FOR OVER 16 YEARS, the “Anything Is Possible” art show has been encouraging elementary school students to follow a wide variety of creative pursuits that range from music, dance and theater to writing and drawing.
“It’s an investment in the future,” says Visiting Artist Project Coordinator
Tanya Vigil. “These art forms aren’t merely hobbies, they are mankind’s most liberating pathways to creativity, teaching children to imagine and create a future that all of us can share.”
Christopher and Deb Taylor have been part of the program for several years, and their works are on display in various school sites and at the district office. “They have been instructing students from kindergarten through fifth grade and helped them produce incredibly colorful and vibrant mosaic murals,” said Vigil. “The most recent one is entitled ‘The flight of the magpie’ and can be seen in the Enos Garcia’s cafeteria. These are some of Taos’ hidden gems.”
La Tormenta de Taos
Students who include art in their core curriculum also see improvements in subjects like math and sciences, but reading, writing, and drawing take center stage this year with a bilingual book and theater piece entitled “La Tormenta de Taos.”
“The Earth, loving the animals of its quaint vallecito, sent a storm to deliver wisdoms of health,” reads the description of the book, which is currently available on Amazon. “During the tormenta, each animal is gifted a consejo meant to restore health and balance. As the storm recedes and the acequias calm, one young rabbit ventures out after the storm and this is our brave conejo’s journey.”
This collaborative project was carried out by a group of visiting artists who work with students from Enos Garcia, Ranchos de Taos and Arroyos del Norte elementary schools.
“Third grade students from Mrs. Countryman’s class at Ranchos Elementary and Mrs. Liz Gilroy’s class at Arroyos del Norte have been acting, singing and dancing to prepare for their theater performance,” said Vigil, “while Mrs. Ursula Salazar’s fourth grade bilingual class at Enos Garcia contributed the drawings that illustrate the book.”
Participating students also wrote statements, included in the book, about how they keep healthy. Drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and vegetables and having fun with friends are among them.
The scope of this project reaches beyond the classroom. The intergenerational aspect of “La Tormenta de Taos” is touching families throughout the community, said Ferdi Serim, founder of CLARO Consulting, LLC, who has been instrumental in developing a datacasting technology that transmits school work to students’ homes via their television. “Students selected for lead roles also involve parents and grandparents as performers,” said Serim. “Video interviews of these families and the rehearsals are being done by TrueKids1, a leading student media project centered in Taos, and becoming involved with NMPBS as part of its Student Desk for Newshour.”
The program’s local and statewide impact
The Fine Arts Education Act (FAEA) was introduced by state Rep. Max Coll, passed by legislature and signed by Gov. Bill Richardson in 2003. It was enacted to provide funding to encourage school districts to offer opportunities for elementary school students to participate in arts education including visual arts, music, theater and dance. “This is based on the understanding that art programs encourage a cognitive and effective development by focusing on a variety of learning styles and engaging students who might otherwise fail,” Vigil said. “It helps train students in complex thinking and learning. Students can devise creative solutions for problem solving and can learn how to work cooperatively with others and to understand and value the diverse cultures.”
Vigil said that Vicky Breen, from the State Humanities Bureau Program, announced that Taos Municipal Schools’ Elementary Arts Program was the model program for the state. “This program is funded in part by the public education department and by a private local foundation from Taos,” Vigil said.
The fact that every Taos elementary school site also has an art teacher has helped achieve specific New Mexico standards and benchmarks. “Jodie Irons, Alejandra Gomez and Leah Trujillo see students once a week and teach them the elements of art that are
aligned with national art standards,” said Vigil.
Dr. Anthony Medina, Arroyos del Norte Elementary School principal, can attest to the success of the program. “Our students have benefited tremendously from it,” he said. “They look forward to the Visiting Artists who bring their creative passion to our school for all to learn.”
The book and the theater play production have been experiential learning processes, and Vigil wants to acknowledge all that have been part of it.
“I want to thank all the artists and teachers,” she said, “as well as school board members, Superintendent Lillian Torrez and assistant superintendent Valerie Trujillo, who continue to encourage and show their support
attribute for this important program.”
The 16th annual youth art show “Anything Is Possible” includes jewelry, tin smiting, felting, fused glass, raku pottery, handmade mandala books, polymer clay, and printmaking. It will take place on Saturday (May 14) at the Philip Bareiss Gallery. The opening reception is scheduled from 1-4 p.m.
Bareiss Gallery is located at 15 State Road 150, north of El Prado.