[Mpls] Arts in the Mpls schools

[Elizabeth Greenbaum]

Dorie Rae Gallagher writes:
If they can't learn science perhaps they can learn color theory.

Michael Atherton wrote:
 >And then what?  I don't know anyone who makes a living on color
 >theory alone.  I don't understand how you can assume that there
 >are enough jobs so that a large portion of the population can make
 >a living in the Arts.  When I worked in advertising, most everyone
 >did fine arts on the side and no one made much of anything.  Even
 >the commercial artist jobs were hard to come by and there was immense
 >competition for them.


So - dissecting a frog or solving a math problem is going to get someone 
a job too? I think not. Common Michael that argument doesn't fly. Yes I 
learned color theory and all the right science stuff - I'm much happier 
doing this than when I was doing scientific research. You mentioned 
working in advertising - that is a for profit business - so you are 
seeing one side jobs in the arts. I work in the nonprofit arts world 
here in Minneapolis - and whether artists make a living as fine artists 
(which some do) or have to supplement with other income so what? They 
are inspired individuals who also contribute to the community be it in 
the arts, socially or financially. And some of them learned here right 
in these very schools! So they are not as left brained as someone like 
you - but that doesn't make one better than the other. That is what you 
are implying isn't it? If you want  facts (which you seem to like) 
contact the MN Citizens for the Arts to get statistics about the arts - 
financial impact, jobs, livability issues etc. it's pretty inpressive 
stuff. 

I will totally agree with Dorie Rae that there are children who learn 
differently - some will get turned on by science, some arts, etc. I will 
agree with you that children have to unlearn selfishness - hey, but here 
is where the arts do a great job!!!! They have to work on a group 
project for example, share supplies and ideas. Voile - another reason 
for the arts in our schools. Michael - it seems as though you view the 
schools as being a place to teach and train children like cookie cutter 
shapes and NOT as individuals with different needs and/or desires. 
School is also about opportunities to have different experiences through 
learning - a parent hopes that through this their child will eventually 
find their muse.
 
I moved to Minneapolis for the simple fact that is has one of the best 
arts and cultural communities in the nation. I know my science 
background  changed my thinking - but my way isn't the only way. I 
certainly wouldn't want it any other way in my daughter's school - she 
loves science and math (she loves school) but she REALLY loves the arts. 
Why squash that learning experience, which shows paths to other aspects 
of learning ...

Shall I talk about the artist residency we did at Winonah Community 
School doing book arts to learn and improve math skills? It was highly 
successful - I need say no more ...   

Liz Greenbaum
Longfellow


-- 
Elizabeth Greenbaum
Director
ArtiCulture
www.articulture.org
612.729.5151