Arts-in-Education

Macon Arts knows the importance of a well-rounded education, and that the arts are basic to, and an essential part of the structure of a COMPLETE education. When children first pick up crayons and begin to explore the wonder of art, they do so with simple lines and bold strokes of color. It's brand new and it's FUN. However, in the fun, children begin to develop learning skills that tweak the imagination and lead to other ways of learning and thinking. The ability to see clearly, analyze, reflect, make judgments, generate new ideas from old, are all part of a comprehensive program, where the arts are basic to education. Creative writing, dance, music, drama and visual art help us to react to, record, share and express our impressions of the world. They complement science, math, history--the entire curriculum.

That's why, since 1993, when we began our Arts-in-Education program, we've steered the giving of over $400,000 into Bibb Public Schools by infusing arts experiences into the curriculum. With artists, working on campus, school children experience the arts, firsthand. To quote former Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, Ms. Jane Alexander:

"...when we teach our children to draw, we teach them to see. When we teach our children to sing or play an instrument, we teach them to listen. When we teach a child to read and write creatively, we open a door to imagination. "

We live in a culturally diverse, high-tech world, full of fast-paced imagery. The arts help our children slow down a bit and appreciate who they are, respect their peers, and value the whole of humanity...and look to the hope of a future tomorrow.

For more information, contact Macon Arts at 743-6940.