Student Voices

Arts Education Advocacy Day

Recently students, educators, community members and decision makers participated in Arts Education Advocacy Day at the State House in Augusta, Maine. The Belfast Area High School students who spoke that day were very articulate about the value and importance of the arts and arts education on a personal level and beyond themselves. Heidi O’Donnell is their teacher who worked with her honor society students to create clay pins.

Heidi O’Donnell with pins that the Belfast Area High School Honor Society students created

Below are two of the speakers talks.

The first one was written by Jillian Webster who unfortunately was unable to attend due to illness. It was read by Gracie Moore and Katience Parenteau.

Hello fellow students, teachers, and anyone else who believes in the importance of creativity and learning,

I believe everyone here knows the importance of a strong academic foundation. However, today I want to talk about something I find just as crucial: the importance of arts education. It’s easy to see art as just an elective, a fun break from the core subjects. But I believe it’s much more than that.

Art allows us to express ourselves in ways words sometimes can’t. It has the power to connect us, make us feel, and challenge our perspectives. It allows us to see the world through different eyes.

Beyond personal growth, arts education teaches us valuable skills. Such as being creative, thinking outside the box, and viewing problems from different angles. It expands our communication and collaboration skills, as we work together to create something meaningful. These are skills that are crucial for success, not just in the arts, but in any field you choose to pursue.

Through art, we learn to see the world differently, express ourselves authentically, and to connect with others on a deeper level. We develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Moreover, arts education improves our lives. It fosters empathy and understanding of different cultures and perspectives. It provides a healthy expression of emotions and a space for personal growth.

So, the next time someone tells you art class is unimportant, remember: it’s not just about the final product, it’s about the process, skills, and experiences that shape who we become. Let’s fight to keep arts education alive, not just for our own personal growth, but for a more creative, expressive, and understanding world. Thank you.

Gracie Moore and Katience Parenteau reading for Jillian Webster

Below was presented by Liliana Cortez.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, 

My name is Liliana Cortez and I’m a member of the Belfast Area High School National Art Honor Society. 

Today, I stand before you to celebrate the power of art given to the youth of Maine.

In a world that often rushes by, consumed by technology and daily routines, it’s easy to forget the profound impact of art. But we must take a moment to acknowledge its importance in shaping our lives and communities.

Art isn’t just about entertainment or decoration; it’s a way to speak to the soul. It’s a language that goes beyond words, connecting us deeper.

And with this, It brings me immense joy to witness the encouragement given to our young artists to immerse themselves in the world of art and to express themselves fully, particularly during this special month.

Art has a unique power to transcend boundaries, to evoke emotions, and to spark conversations. It serves as a vessel through which our youth can explore their innermost thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. And here in Maine, we are fortunate to see our young minds embracing this opportunity with enthusiasm and passion.

This month, as we highlight the importance of art in our communities, we also recognize the invaluable role it plays in shaping the identity of our youth. Through various forms of artistic expression – whether it be painting, drawing, photography, music, or dance – our young artists can find their voice, tell their stories, and connect with others in meaningful ways.

But beyond the canvas or the stage, engaging in art fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment. It cultivates confidence, resilience, and empathy, nurturing individuals who are not only skilled in their craft but also compassionate towards others and the world around them.

In this special month, I’m among many other young individuals who feel empowered by art. When we create and we express ourselves, our voices reach far beyond just words, art is a global language, a language anyone can speak.

In Maine, the land of rugged coastlines and breathtaking landscapes, let us continue to cultivate a culture where the arts thrive and the youth is free to be creative. 

Thank you for letting us be creative. Thank you for letting us be seen.

Liliana Cortez

MAEA Conference and Awards

What a day for art education!

The Maine Art Education Association (MAEA) concluded an outstanding spring conference by presenting three, no four, awards to deserving educators. But first a word about the conference. I’ve been around long enough to see institutions transform, some for the third and fourth time. I had the pleasure of working on the planning committee for the MAEA spring conference that was held on Saturday, April 2 in Rockland at the Farnsworth Art Museum and CMCA. I’m not just talking about a conference that was held in both facilities but what took place was magical. It was delightful to see the two institutions partner with MAEA to put together a very worthwhile day for art educators.

Presentation by Daniel Salomon

The conference entitled Radical Reuse was planned and implemented by a group of people who had never worked together before, some new to their positions, and everyone went above and beyond. Over a two month period every Thursday the education staffs of both institutions and the MAEA conference planners came together on zoom to plan the annual spring conference. THANK YOU to everyone for a job well done! From CMCA: Mia Bogyo, and representing the Farnsworth: Gwendolyn Loomis Smith, Katherine Karlik, and Alexis Saba. MAEA president, Lynda Leonas, coordinated the effort with board members Iva Damon and Christine Del Rossi supporting. From the Rockland school district Richard Wehnke helped.

Printmaking with Sherrie York – Lynda Leonas and Iva Damon

The keynote was provided by Krisanne Baker, Medomak Valley High School art and ecology teacher and artist. She is committed to advocating for the ocean and inspires her students to learn about water quality, availability and rights, and ocean stewardship. Guest speaker Daniel Salomon who teaches in The Hatchery at Camden Hills Regional High School provided background information on the work he is doing with students utilizing and reusing materials and the role we each can play.

Gallery tour, Farnsworth

After the opening speakers, conference participants attended sessions on printmaking with Sherrie York, art making around ‘place’ with Alexis Iammarino, toured the Farnsworth Museum, and toured CMCA. Several merchants from Downtown Rockland supported the conference goers with discounts. During the middle of the day Daniel’s students from the Hatchery, set up outside CMCA, shared several of the projects they have been involved in this year.

Alexis Iammarino demonstrating, CMCA

AWARDS PROGRAM

The day concluded with honoring the work of four educators with an amazing backdrop of quilts at CMCA. The educators are outstanding in and out of the classroom, engaged in work at the local, regional, and state level. They work (and play) tirelessly, sometimes alone and often collaborating with others. Every day they exhibit all that is right about education. In their respective institutions they have a place at the table where they continuously advocate for students and art education. We know that an excellent education in the arts is essential, and these educators strive for every student to experience just that. 

The awards committee was led by Belfast Area High School art teacher Heidi O’Donnell. Members of the committee included Hope Lord, Maranacook Middle School art teacher and Suzanne Goulet, Waterville High School art teacher, and myself. The awards, clay vessels, were created by Carolyn Brown, Camden Hills Regional High School art teacher. In addition each educator received a plaque for their classroom and a pineapple.

The 2022 Administration/Supervision Art Educator of the Year was presented to Dr. Rachel Somerville who is at Maine College of Art & Design and Westbrook Schools. She was introduced by Melissa Perkins, Congin Elementary School art teacher, Westbrook.

Melissa presenting Rachel

The 2022 Secondary Art Educator of the year was presented to Iva Damon, art teacher at Leavitt Area High School in Turner. She was introduced by Lynda Leonas, president of MAEA and an art teacher at Walton and Washburn Elementary Schools in Auburn.

Lynda presenting Iva

The 2023 Maine Art Educator of the Year was presented to Matthew Johnson, art teacher at Westbrook High School. He was introduced by Deb Bickford who also teaches art at Westbrook High School.

Lynda Leonas presented a surprise pineapple award to Heidi for outstanding leadership and contributions to the MAEA board. She is stepping down from the board as she takes on a leadership position with the National Art Education Association.

Heidi O’Donnell, right with her Belfast colleagues Linda Nicholas, middle and Kathie Gass, left

As we move away from the challenges of the pandemic I urge you to consider:

• Become a member of MAEA, if you are not already one
• Volunteer to become a board member and take on a leadership role
• Nominate a colleague who is worthy of recognition

For more information please go to the MAEA website.

Photos taken by Heidi O’Donnell and myself.

Maine Art Education Association

Team East

Thank you to the new president, Heidi O’Donnell, of the Maine Art Education Association for contributing this blog post on her recent trip to Team East.

MAEA president, Heidi O’Donnell, past president Sandy Brennan, Treasurer Suzanne Goulet

The Eastern Region Leadership Retreat was recently held in New Bedford, MA and I was able to enjoy the experience with Sandy Brennan and Suzanne Goulet. Vibrant discussions around community building, advocacy, research and knowledge, learning, and organizational vibrancy intermingled with local gallery tours, a private viewing of the New Bedford Art Museum, wine and chocolate tasting, a dinner train event, and a guided downtown walk lead by docents affiliated with the New Bedford Whaling Museum made this a most enjoyable experience!

We were able to connect with other leaders, share highlights and frustrations, discuss important topics such as teacher evaluations, supporting state association members, document reviews, and general association issues. The National Art Education Association has decided that the Regional retreats will be held only in odd numbered years and that National Leadership Retreats will be held in even numbered years. Next year we will be traveling to Santa Fe, New Mexico (July 24-27)!

Please contact me at heidiaemaine@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us and learning more about being involved with the Maine Art Education Association. If Santa Fe doesn’t work for you, I am excited to announce that in 2015, Maine will host Team East! We will be looking for members to help with the planning of this exciting event! Again, please contact me if you are interested about Team East or any other topics related to Maine’s visual art professional organization.

My Last Two Weeks

What an adventure!

Some weeks are filled with excitement and adventure and some weeks are filled with excitement and adventure – yes, I repeated that since all my weeks are pretty amazing! However, my most valuable days are when I am visiting teachers and students, learning about the work that is going on in the arts in Maine schools. I am always interested in what teachers are doing with curriculum, assessment, and arts education in general! What I hear and what I see keeps me grounded in what is “real” for Maine arts education. When I do my work at the Department it is first and foremost in the best interest of all Maine kids and their visual and performing arts education. I feel so fortunate to have this job that takes me to all corners of the state. Thank you for the invitations!

During the last two weeks I have had the chance to go to the following:

• Ashley Smith (Maine Arts Assessment Initiative teacher leader) and Mike Scarpone, music teachers at Brunswick High School invited me to speak at their Tri-M Music Honor Society induction ceremony. I was very impressed with the music and the students. Bridget Horan, Chanel Thibeault, Ariel Bouchard, and Joe Waring played the National Anthem to start the program. Throughout the program there were student performances including: Tessa Hauptman was accompanied on the piano by Ben Flanagan. Hannah Judd played the cello. Joe Waring played the saxophone accompanied by Nathaniel Vilas on the piano. Alexis Gillis sang accompanied by Ben Flanagan on the piano. Walter Martin played the trombone accompanied by Nathaniel Vilas on the piano. Nathaniel Vilas ending the evening on the piano. It was wonderful to hear the present members (15 of them) introduce the inductees (21 of them). As these type of ceremonies go, it was very formal however, the students humor shined through which brought several chuckles to members of the audience. Afterwards, parents and students enjoyed refreshments in the cafeteria. Thank you Brunswick Tri-M students and Ashley and Mike for including me.

• Last week I was invited to meet with the arts staff from the Gorham schools. In the Gorham schools they rotate updating curriculum and arts educators are starting this important work. Assistant middle school principal Susie Hanley has been communicating periodically during the last year with questions and information on the work of the Gorham arts teachers. It was great to have a chance to hear discuss their work and the challenges it poses. I did get a photo at the end but it was after some of the teachers had already left the meeting. Thank you to Susie for inviting me!

The teachers include:

• Gail Thibodeau, Music  K-5, Narragansett and Village
• Janelle Mosey, Music and Chorus  K-5, Great Falls
• Allie Rimkunas, Art 1-5, Great Falls
• Paula Balcom, Art 1-5, Narragansett and Village
• Amy Stewart, Music K-5, Narragansett
• Vicki Bove, Art  6-8, Gorham Middle School
• Amy Cousins, Art 6-8, Gorham Middle School
• Tracy Wheeler, Music and Chorus 6-8, Gorham Middle School
• Kim Mathieu, Music and Band  6-8, Gorham Middle School, 5th grade Band
• Chris Crosby, Art 9-12, Gorham High School
• Sarah Tucker, Art 9-12, Gorham High School
• Matt Murray, Music and Chorus 9-12, Gorham High School
• Tim Ebersold, Music and Band 9-12, Gorham High School

• Gray-New Gloucester High School art exhibit was held last week in the auxiliary gym on the same evening that the students were performing the comedy The Man Who Came to Dinner. It was great to see Maine Arts Assessment Initiative teacher leader Barb Weed (Barb’s Another Arts Teacher’s story) on my way in to the school. After I arrived Waterville High School art teacher Suzanne Goulet dropped in to see the show. The gym was completely filled with outstanding 2 and 3 dimensional art work and it was great to see art teachers Sarah Gould and Michaela DiGianvittorio. Talk about proficiency?! The evidence was clear! Thanks for inviting me to a great show!

Sarah, Argy, Michaela

• This week I’ve had more opportunities to visit schools. Debi Lynne Baker and I were at Biddeford Intermediate School to videotape Maine Arts Assessment Initiative teacher leader, music teacher Andrea Wollstadt. (Andrea’s Another Arts Teacher’s story). The last of a series of 4 that Debi is creating showing standards based arts classrooms in action. We had a great day in Andrea’s 4th and 5th grade classes. Her superintendent, Jeremy Ray, popped in to give her an apple for Teacher Appreciation Week. We interviewed Andrea’s principal Debra Kenney, music colleague Jillian Cote, and two of her students. Thanks to the students and staff at Biddeford Intermediate School!
• I visited Belfast High School and Troy Howard Middle School and the classrooms of Heidi O’Donnell and Lynnette Sproch. Heidi has a lesson where students wrote an artist statement after research and created an artwork that depicted the style of the artist. They were created in small shadow-like boxes. The pieces were fascinating to look at and really made me think. I was glad to see the “man coming out of the ceiling” in real life that Lynnette had created with her middle school students. I also stopped to see my dear friend science teacher John Thurston who is responsible for the garden program at the middle school. It is always great to see John who works with Lynnette on integrated units. You might remember the one that they did on creating posters for the Belfast coop. They were beautiful with bright red giant tomatoes and a great example of service learning. I stopped to see theatre teacher Jason Bannister who caught me up on the event they just held at the school for middle level theatre students – Maine Student Acting competition. Thanks for the visit to both schools!
• I traveled up the coast to Hancock Grammar School and stopped to see Maine Arts Assessment art teacher leader Janie Snider (Janie’s Another Arts Teacher’s story). We critiqued the video that Debi has created of Janie in action earlier this spring.  We spent some time talking about the idea of writing “power standards” and perhaps rubrics to make available for all arts teachers. What do you think of the idea? Thanks for “great food for thought” Janie!
• Onto Machias and the Rose Gaffney School to visit Maine Arts Assessment music teacher leader Bonnie Atkinson. (Bonnie’s Another Arts Teacher’s story). When I arrived her middle and high school band were rehearsing their pieces for the spring concert. Bonnie has many thought provoking sayings in her classrooms. I loved hearing the students practice and I also had a chance to listen to the chorus practice before I left for the Washington county superintendents meeting at University of Maine at Machias. Thanks for letting me pop in Bonnie! The artwork everywhere in the halls is stunning.

National Art Honor Society

Belfast High School

The National Art Honor Society Chapter at Belfast Area High School held its first annual Family Fun Night on February 1st and from all reports it was a huge success! Art teacher, Heidi O’Donnell’s students rose to the occasion by planning and carrying out a fun event.

The three side-by-side art rooms and adjacent gallery space were set up for a variety of activities for all ages. People could try their hands at throwing a bowl on the wheel, building a coil project, photograms in the darkroom, polymer beads (with guest artist, Barb Berry-Palm), animation (with guest artist Jay Hoagland), finger painting, a food art contest with pieces created by the students from the Introduction to Art class, and an enjoyable cookie decorating station.

Thirty one honor society students, 4 art teachers, 60+ students, and 30+ parents participated. Participants left with happy faces! For more photos of the event pleaase click here.