Visiting Arts Program nets award for local schools
TAOS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS were just awarded a prestigious recognition for its Elementary Arts Visiting Artist program.
The Taos Municipal Visiting Artist Program has been bringing local artists to the schools for more than 17 years. With the support of Vicky Breen, formerly of the State Humanities Bureau, the program was introduced by New Mexico Rep. Max Coll. It passed the legislature and was signed by Gov. Bill Richardson in 2004.
The program was provides funding to encourage school districts to offer opportunities for elementary school students to participate in arts education, including the visual arts, music, theater and dance. This is based on the understanding that arts programs encourage a cognitive and affective development by focusing on a variety of learning styles and engaging students who might otherwise fail, according to a program statement.
The program aims to help train students in complex thinking and learning using the arts. Students are encouraged to devise creative solutions for problem solving and can learn how to work cooperatively with others and to understand the value of diverse cultures.
The Elementary Arts Visiting Artist Program includes jewelry, felting, tin smithing, mosaic murals, printmaking, drawing, raku pottery and fused glass. The artists work with the local elementary schools and share their knowledge, passion, talents and process with the students who, in turn, are inspired to create their own artwork.
The Visiting Artist Program is available to the students of Taos from kindergarten to fifth grade. Under the leadership of Visiting Artist Program Coordinator Tanya Vigil, the program has brought more than 60 artists to the schools.
The program goals for the coming fiscal year are to reach Taos School students with the highest quality of artistic instruction through dance, music, theater, media/design and visual arts. Taos Art program and curricula, coordinated by Vigil and inspired by the culturally rich history of New Mexico, includes Taos artists, Native American Pueblo, Chicano and Hispano-influenced art. Students are encouraged to reflect on themselves and their experiences through the art-making process.
Mark T. Flores II, president of the Taos Municipal Schools Board, said he believes every child should have access to a quality public education as a first step towards a lifetime of continued success.