Groups, individuals help keep arts alive

I would like to recognize and extend a public “thank you” to the many arts organizations and individuals that assist and augment the visual and performing arts programs throughout the Lake Pend Oreille School District. I have worked as an educator in this district for 30 years and our community has always embraced the arts and its importance in the schools. I would like those community members and organizations to know that their efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated by students, parents and teachers at all levels.

Recently, the Arts Alliance hosted an art exhibit for the secondary schools. It featured art which illustrated different articles of the Declaration of Human Rights and the exhibit showed at the Red Tail Gallery. The Arts Alliance spent many hours graciously hanging the art in an utmost professional manner. The exhibit is stunning, and the students who attended the opening reception were very, very proud. This event will be one that stands out in their memories, showing their art in such a classic venue.

Pend Oreille Arts Council is another organization that has given steadfast support to our schools. Their mission to bring art to the community, imbed it in our schools and foster arts education has never faltered, ever. Each year, POAC hosts our annual student art show at the Powerhouse, and it is truly a gala event for the young artists. Seeing their art in a formal exhibit is again a highlight of their school years.

Community Assistance League provides the art instruction for our elementary schools in a program called Kaleidoscope, with highly trained volunteers using creative, appropriate, developmentally based art lessons that build on an established curriculum.

Finally, I appreciate all that our school district does to maintain and continue the excellent, award-winning art programs we have in place. Their commitment, along with the support of our wonderful community based art programs makes Sandpoint and the LPOSD notable throughout the state of Idaho and the Northwest. The arts play a critical role in our educations system, fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Thank you again.

HEATHER GUTHRIE

Sandpoint