Celebration of Arts Ed: Camden-Rockport

Blaine House event – April 9

On Tuesday, April 9, we had a Celebration of Arts Education to recognize the accomplishments of artists and musicians from Camden-Rockport Elementary and Middle Schools and Camden Hills Regional High School. The First Lady, Ann LePage, Chair of the State Board of Education, Dr. Steven Pound, and the Department of Education came together to celebrate Arts Education. Twenty four students representing grades Kindergarten through 12 are exhibiting art work at the Department. Proud family members watched as the students were recognized for their accomplishments.

Grade 6 student, Mary with Steven Pound and First Lady LePage

Music students in the 8-member, student lead a cappella group The Off-Beats(!) performed the Stars Spangled Banner and Sweet Caroline at the reception held at the Blaine House. After recognition and refreshments families were invited to the Department of Education to view the art exhibit. The Off-Beats(!) stopped at the State House to see Senator Mazurek and sang in other spots in the State House and the Cross Office building. It was a special treat to have them sing in the lobby at the Department with about 20 Department employees watching and listening. The Off-Beats(!) make people smile and a reminder of why it is essential to provide quality arts education for all students!

The Off-Beats(!) student director Alex with Steven Pound and First Lady Ann LePage

You can see the artwork that is on display at the Department by clicking here or viewing the work from the front page of the blog, right side in the section titled “Info”. Look for “Camden-Rockport Schools: MDOE exhibit”. Even after the artwork leaves the Department it will remain on the blog and the songs will remain in my heart and memory! Thank you to the students who have shared their art!

Congratulations and thank you to the visual and performing arts teachers who have taken the time to provide this opportunity for their students. Kimberly Murphy, Camden Hills Regional High School music teacher, Carolyn Brown, Suzanne Southworth, and Russell Kahn, Camden Hills Regional High School art teachers, Kristen Andersen, Camden-Rockport Middle School art teacher, and Susan Dowling, Camden-Rockport Elementary School art teacher.

Camden-Rockport Elementary School student Alexandra, grade 3 with Steven Pound and the First Lady

Dr. Steven M. Pound, State Board Chair, Carolyn Brown and Suzanne Southworth, Camden Hills Regional High School, First Lady Ann LePage, Kimberly Murphy, Camden Hills Regional High School music teacher, Argy Nestor

The Off-Beats (!) perform Sweet Caroline at the Blaine House

The Off-Beats(!) perform at the Maine Department of Education

Grade 8 student Erin with her painting “Degas copy”

All smiles after an excellent performance – The Off-Beats(!) plus one

Thank you to Carolyn Brown and Janet Gallagher for the photographs included in this blog post!