Scrimshaw SCRIMSHAW BY ALVIN ANINGAYOU Starting Year 3 of our New Visions grant, BSSD arts are brightening. A new K-12 Visual Arts curriculum that highlights Bering Sea art is in draft form, ready to be taken to the Board in February. Eight sites are part of the Artist in Schools (AIS) grant, with Golovin and Shishmaref having already enjoyed mosaic and drama work. Teaching artist Jacob Stoltz taught cartooning to 20+ teachers at a working...

The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) announced the release of its landmark report Reinvesting in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools in early May. This report represents an in-depth review of the current condition of arts education, including an update of the current research base about arts education outcomes, and an analysis of the challenges and opportunities in the field...

Student Project Bering Strait School District  Photo courtesy: Kim Sweeny, AAEC Board member Alaska’s indigenous cultures are steeped with rich artistic and lingual heritage, and the teaching of traditional art and folklore helps develop a deeper appreciation and respect for traditional Alaskan cultures From Governor Sean Parnell’s March 2011 Arts Education Month Proclamation...

Glacier Valley Elementary School:  Photo courtesy: Annie Calkins, AAEC The study of the arts develops creative thinking, problem solving, and communication skills and fosters self-discipline and teamwork capabilities, all characteristics that increase self-esteem, and are vital components of responsible, contributing Alaskan citizens. From Governor Sean Parnell’s March 2011 Arts Education Month Proclamation...

Creating: Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Photo courtesy: Debbie Harris, AAEC Board Member Continued art education for Alaska’s youth is an essential component of our state and nation’s bright future … From Governor Sean Parnell’s 2011 Arts Education Month Proclamation...

Painting: Photo courtesy: Susan Gill, Kodiak Island Borough School District President John F. Kennedy noted,” I see little of more importance to the future of our country and of civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist. If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his or her vision wherever it takes him or her.” From Governor Sean Parnell’s 2011 Arts Education Month...

Guitar: Bering Strait School District. Photo courtesy: Kim Sweeny, AAEC Board Member “Arts education integrates life and learning for all students. The study of the arts develops creative thinking, problem solving, and communication skills and fosters self-discipline and teamwork capabilities, all characteristics that increase self-esteem, and are vital components of responsible, contributing Alaskan citizens. From Governor Sean Parnell’s...