Comments for ARTSblog http://blog.artsusa.org Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:22:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on A Transformational Student Performance by Mary-Helen Rossi http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/02/10/a-transformational-student-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-25452 Mary-Helen Rossi Sat, 11 Feb 2012 19:22:35 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=13059#comment-25452 Joyce, Your reply set off such resonance I'm not sure where to begin. I am certainly with you on that 'one step further' - both my husband and I have experienced not only how debilitating a lack of real creative expression can be, but also how growthful and transcendent it is when the creative spirit is re-ignited. Most artists we know will say the same. My husband, a Jazz musician and educator, uses the phrase "Creativity grown out of oppression". He developed a uniquely effective teaching approach based on his understanding of how the Blues evolved as a way to transcend the oppression of slavery and Jim Crow. The primer on his approach, "Venturing Together: Empowering Students to Succeed", draws parallels to today and shows teachers how to become more personally creative in their teaching so they can transfer that state to students. A resounding YES to your statement that if we as a culture nurture the creative process in ourselves and each other, we will experience a powerful and positive awakening! Joyce,
Your reply set off such resonance I’m not sure where to begin. I am certainly with you on that ‘one step further’ – both my husband and I have experienced not only how debilitating a lack of real creative expression can be, but also how growthful and transcendent it is when the creative spirit is re-ignited. Most artists we know will say the same.

My husband, a Jazz musician and educator, uses the phrase “Creativity grown out of oppression”. He developed a uniquely effective teaching approach based on his understanding of how the Blues evolved as a way to transcend the oppression of slavery and Jim Crow. The primer on his approach, “Venturing Together: Empowering Students to Succeed”, draws parallels to today and shows teachers how to become more personally creative in their teaching so they can transfer that state to students.

A resounding YES to your statement that if we as a culture nurture the creative process in ourselves and each other, we will experience a powerful and positive awakening!

]]> Comment on A Transformational Student Performance by Joyce Bonomini http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/02/10/a-transformational-student-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-25449 Joyce Bonomini Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:16:40 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=13059#comment-25449 Mary-Helen, So well said, I have been exploring the creative center and creative process for over 30 years and the impact it makes when nurtured in us, verses the impact when it is oppressed by our life experiences. It is for me the ultimate form of obuse. And in our society I agree with Ken Robinson that we are educated out of our creativity, hoever, I would go one step further to say that many of us have experienced that center being oppressed. For us to tap into it and nurture it in each other could be extremely powerful and positive awakening. Mary-Helen,

So well said, I have been exploring the creative center and creative process for over 30 years and the impact it makes when nurtured in us, verses the impact when it is oppressed by our life experiences. It is for me the ultimate form of obuse. And in our society I agree with Ken Robinson that we are educated out of our creativity, hoever, I would go one step further to say that many of us have experienced that center being oppressed. For us to tap into it and nurture it in each other could be extremely powerful and positive awakening.

]]> Comment on A Transformational Student Performance by Mary-Helen Rossi http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/02/10/a-transformational-student-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-25448 Mary-Helen Rossi Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:09:23 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=13059#comment-25448 A person who is in an actively creative state - at any age and across all strata of society - shares that energy with everyone around. Those who are open and receptive can feel it, and the exchange begins. To me, the connection that creativity brings with it is a mainstay of a meaningful life (Duke Ellington's "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" says it well). It seems to me that if we as a society were more often willing - as you suggest Joyce - to forgo our conventions, we would all be a lot happier for it. In fact, creativity itself could well show America the way to becoming whole again. A person who is in an actively creative state – at any age and across all strata of society – shares that energy with everyone around. Those who are open and receptive can feel it, and the exchange begins. To me, the connection that creativity brings with it is a mainstay of a meaningful life (Duke Ellington’s “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing” says it well).

It seems to me that if we as a society were more often willing – as you suggest Joyce – to forgo our conventions, we would all be a lot happier for it. In fact, creativity itself could well show America the way to becoming whole again.

]]> Comment on A Transformational Student Performance by Joyce Bonomini http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/02/10/a-transformational-student-performance/comment-page-1/#comment-25447 Joyce Bonomini Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:35:27 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=13059#comment-25447 Victoria, thank you for your story and your comments. As someone who has worked with youth performers for over 25 years I have found myself transformed and in a transformational experience over and over again. I have always been amazed of the energy connection between the youth and the audience, the freshness the realization that each performance is a new performance a new sunrise. Students who are studying their craft and striving to reach the top create an energy that reaches into an audience's soul. I must say that I have had that experience with a professional artist but unfortunately it has been rare, and then I pause and wonder if our own conventions have muffled the connection. Here is to every artist connecting back to their 'sunrise' and to every audience member feeling free to react! Victoria, thank you for your story and your comments. As someone who has worked with youth performers for over 25 years I have found myself transformed and in a transformational experience over and over again. I have always been amazed of the energy connection between the youth and the audience, the freshness the realization that each performance is a new performance a new sunrise. Students who are studying their craft and striving to reach the top create an energy that reaches into an audience’s soul. I must say that I have had that experience with a professional artist but unfortunately it has been rare, and then I pause and wonder if our own conventions have muffled the connection. Here is to every artist connecting back to their ‘sunrise’ and to every audience member feeling free to react!

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]]> Comment on Former President Clinton Supports Arkansas Arts Education Program by NCN Articles of Interest: 2/10/2012 « National Creativity Network http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/02/07/president-clinton-supports-arkansas-arts-education-program/comment-page-1/#comment-25432 NCN Articles of Interest: 2/10/2012 « National Creativity Network Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:15:58 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=13004#comment-25432 [...] President Obama Speaks at White House Science Fair The White House “President Obama honors the hard work and extraordinary talent of students participating in the second White House Science Fair.” Former President Clinton Supports Arkansas Arts Education Program [...] [...] President Obama Speaks at White House Science Fair The White House “President Obama honors the hard work and extraordinary talent of students participating in the second White House Science Fair.” Former President Clinton Supports Arkansas Arts Education Program [...]

]]> Comment on Former President Clinton Supports Arkansas Arts Education Program by Tim Mikulski http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/02/07/president-clinton-supports-arkansas-arts-education-program/comment-page-1/#comment-25407 Tim Mikulski Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:09:10 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=13004#comment-25407 Thanks for your work on the A+ program and for stopping by to comment, Jean. Thanks for your work on the A+ program and for stopping by to comment, Jean.

]]> Comment on Former President Clinton Supports Arkansas Arts Education Program by Jean Hendrickson http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/02/07/president-clinton-supports-arkansas-arts-education-program/comment-page-1/#comment-25401 Jean Hendrickson Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:39:42 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=13004#comment-25401 Oklahoma A+ Schools network is proud to provide the training to Arkansas that has built our network here in Oklahoma. While the arts are essential to a good learning environment, it's more than the arts. It's a way of helping schools think, plan, and behave more creatively in all disciplines. It reaches every child and connects curriculum. We need better results in schools, and we need kids excited about learning so they stay in school and retain what they're taught. If we want different results, we must think differently and hold the adults accountable for effective teaching. Oklahoma A+ Schools network is proud to provide the training to Arkansas that has built our network here in Oklahoma. While the arts are essential to a good learning environment, it’s more than the arts. It’s a way of helping schools think, plan, and behave more creatively in all disciplines. It reaches every child and connects curriculum. We need better results in schools, and we need kids excited about learning so they stay in school and retain what they’re taught. If we want different results, we must think differently and hold the adults accountable for effective teaching.

]]> Comment on The STEAM Camps Are Coming by NCN Articles of Interest: 2/3/2012 « National Creativity Network http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/01/30/the-steam-camps-are-coming/comment-page-1/#comment-25341 NCN Articles of Interest: 2/3/2012 « National Creativity Network Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:31:15 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=12978#comment-25341 [...] The STEAM Camps Are Coming
 [...] [...] The STEAM Camps Are Coming
 [...]

]]> Comment on Creative Convergence Highlights Benefits of Arts Education by richard kooyman http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/02/01/creative-convergence-highlights-benefits-of-arts-education/comment-page-1/#comment-25332 richard kooyman Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:04:11 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=12996#comment-25332 We are in a dangerous time where the spread of Richard Florida's pop-sociological idea of "creative class" has hit an all time high. This ideology makes anyone creative as long as that creativity leads to business and economic growth. The Arts are reduced to simply an economic development tool. Art is important in ideology only if can can show measurably impact on local economies or be a draw for business. States, cities and small town all have drunk the Florida kool-aid and talk about art in terms of "creative placemaking" and "reinventing" the urban environment. Artists are being valued not for the actual work they do but for their entertainment draw or their innate ability to draw people and business back to abandoned areas of town. Artists have become the monkeys in the "residencies". Donner in his article doesn't talk about the arts in terms of it's human effect, the real importance of art which has the power to touch and effect our lives. No,Donner like many administrators and planners talk about "arts and culture" in a over broad generic term that if we can just harness and direct its value can be used as the next business incubator and economic revitalization plan. That is wrong and it is unsustainable because it comes from a position that doesn't understand what art is really about. We are in a dangerous time where the spread of Richard Florida’s pop-sociological idea of “creative class” has hit an all time high. This ideology makes anyone creative as long as that creativity leads to business and economic growth. The Arts are reduced to simply an economic development tool. Art is important in ideology only if can can show measurably impact on local economies or be a draw for business. States, cities and small town all have drunk the Florida kool-aid and talk about art in terms of “creative placemaking” and “reinventing” the urban environment. Artists are being valued not for the actual work they do but for their entertainment draw or their innate ability to draw people and business back to abandoned areas of town. Artists have become the monkeys in the “residencies”.
Donner in his article doesn’t talk about the arts in terms of it’s human effect, the real importance of art which has the power to touch and effect our lives. No,Donner like many administrators and planners talk about “arts and culture” in a over broad generic term that if we can just harness and direct its value can be used as the next business incubator and economic revitalization plan. That is wrong and it is unsustainable because it comes from a position that doesn’t understand what art is really about.

]]> Comment on The STEAM Camps Are Coming by Jill http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/01/30/the-steam-camps-are-coming/comment-page-1/#comment-25317 Jill Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:16:19 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=12978#comment-25317 This is so very important. A component to putting this all together lies in how preservice teachers are educated so that what they take to the classroom meaningfully integrates. As an arts educator, secondary English/drama teacher, PhD C&I candidate, and actress, the excitement is hard to keep in check as this process takes shape. I want to be onboard when the launch is realized. This is so very important. A component to putting this all together lies in how preservice teachers are educated so that what they take to the classroom meaningfully integrates. As an arts educator, secondary English/drama teacher, PhD C&I candidate, and actress, the excitement is hard to keep in check as this process takes shape. I want to be onboard when the launch is realized.

]]> Comment on The pARTnership Movement: When Arts and Businesses Partner, Everyone Profits by Emily Peck http://blog.artsusa.org/2012/01/19/when-arts-and-businesses-partner-everyone-profits/comment-page-1/#comment-25308 Emily Peck Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:22:52 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=12889#comment-25308 Thanks Andy! At Americans for the Arts, we are advocating for government, corporate, foundation and individual support for the arts. We know it takes diversified funding streams. Through The pARTnership Movement (www.partnershipmovement.org) we want businesses to understand that partnering with the arts benefits business, the arts and the community. Thanks Andy! At Americans for the Arts, we are advocating for government, corporate, foundation and individual support for the arts. We know it takes diversified funding streams. Through The pARTnership Movement (www.partnershipmovement.org) we want businesses to understand that partnering with the arts benefits business, the arts and the community.

]]> Comment on No Conversation Should be One-Sided: Engaging with Patrons through Social Media by Laura http://blog.artsusa.org/2011/11/22/no-conversation-should-be-one-sided-engaging-with-patrons-through-social-media/comment-page-1/#comment-25298 Laura Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:23:15 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=12145#comment-25298 Hi Robbie, I am thrilled to read that you enjoy the blog. It is excellent that the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra is using social media as a way to get the word out about their programming. However, you should begin to shift your train of thought and think of your facebook page as an engagement platform - it is now a conversation between you and your digital audience. First, take a break from solely posting about upcoming performances. Although this is a great way to get the word out, use the poll feature to ask your audience what their favorite performance has been this season. They will vote, and that is your first step - you are now interacting with your fanbase. You have also now gained important info - you know what your audience likes about your programming. Importantly, you need to think of facebook as a platform for pushing out the content of others, not just what is going on in your organization. Think of it this way: if you love the work of Vincent Van Gogh, and he has a facebook page that you are a fan of, wouldnt you be curious see which museums are highlighting his works, or what newspaper articles are talking about him? Although it would be pretty great to read Van Gogh's status updates, it would be even better if Van Gogh posted a poll to us to ask "What do you want me to paint this summer? Looking for inspiration." If you come across a news article about music, the arts, or anything else your audience might be interested in, post it! Your fans love music, you love music, why not share what is being written about it? Follow it up with a question, even if it asking what they think of the article. Again, this makes your facebook page a conversation. To get inspired, become a fan of the National Arts Marketing Project on Facebook, www.facebook.com/artsmarketing, where I put these ideas into practice. Also check out the Walker Arts Center's new site : http://www.walkerart.org/ Good Luck! I hope this helps. Hi Robbie,

I am thrilled to read that you enjoy the blog. It is excellent that the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra is using social media as a way to get the word out about their programming. However, you should begin to shift your train of thought and think of your facebook page as an engagement platform – it is now a conversation between you and your digital audience.

First, take a break from solely posting about upcoming performances. Although this is a great way to get the word out, use the poll feature to ask your audience what their favorite performance has been this season. They will vote, and that is your first step – you are now interacting with your fanbase. You have also now gained important info – you know what your audience likes about your programming.

Importantly, you need to think of facebook as a platform for pushing out the content of others, not just what is going on in your organization. Think of it this way: if you love the work of Vincent Van Gogh, and he has a facebook page that you are a fan of, wouldnt you be curious see which museums are highlighting his works, or what newspaper articles are talking about him? Although it would be pretty great to read Van Gogh’s status updates, it would be even better if Van Gogh posted a poll to us to ask “What do you want me to paint this summer? Looking for inspiration.”

If you come across a news article about music, the arts, or anything else your audience might be interested in, post it! Your fans love music, you love music, why not share what is being written about it? Follow it up with a question, even if it asking what they think of the article. Again, this makes your facebook page a conversation.

To get inspired, become a fan of the National Arts Marketing Project on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/artsmarketing, where I put these ideas into practice. Also check out the Walker Arts Center’s new site : http://www.walkerart.org/

Good Luck! I hope this helps.

]]> Comment on Art Provides Healing, Creates Dialogue in State College, PA by Tim Mikulski http://blog.artsusa.org/2011/12/21/art-provides-healing-dialogue-in-state-college-pa/comment-page-1/#comment-25295 Tim Mikulski Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:22:09 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=12758#comment-25295 Thank you for your honest and thoughtful comment, Lauren. Thank you for your honest and thoughtful comment, Lauren.

]]> Comment on Random Acts of Culture™ by Tim Mikulski http://blog.artsusa.org/2011/12/19/random-acts-of-culture/comment-page-1/#comment-25294 Tim Mikulski Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:19:29 +0000 http://blog.artsusa.org/?p=12726#comment-25294 Thanks for the comment and the link! Thanks for the comment and the link!

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