tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2068812090876278312011-07-30T10:12:31.404-07:00Victoria Plettner.Saundershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13044397783509241105noreply@blogger.comBlogger21100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-206881209087627831.post-89065879188349426892010-07-02T16:21:00.000-07:002010-07-02T16:22:28.942-07:00I sat in an Americans for the Arts conference session in Baltimore last week and listened to a panelist state that “we don’t need to save arts education when eight-year olds are making their own videos”. To that I say, cultural participation is NOT arts education. Just because a kid can use computer software doesn’t mean he or she knows how to create a storyline, understand lighting and visual effect, include music that helps convey their story etc. It’s like saying that I didn’t need arts education as an eight year old because I could create cool pictures with my Light Bright. <br /><br />I explained this idea to an inquisitive school board candidate today at lunch – he wanted to know if a student drawing a picture to depict an historic event is art education. I said that it is if the student is taught to understand how the use of color, shading, perspective, line and texture are used to enhance her ability to depict the image she’s trying to convey, it is – but simply the act of drawing is not education. He then said that he was ready to agree with my colleague in Baltimore, until I explained my position, and then he said “Now I really get it!” <br /><br />Statements like the gentleman’s in Baltimore do more harm than good. Don’t be afraid to challenge these statements. I ensured a better informed candidate today – I hope he becomes an education decision maker in the next election.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/206881209087627831-8906587918834942689?l=thoughtsontheartsfor250orless.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Victoria Plettner.Saundershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13044397783509241105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-206881209087627831.post-62658760354792350352010-06-28T19:03:00.000-07:002010-06-28T19:08:43.862-07:00Just came back from an Americans for the Arts conference in Baltimore and found that more than once I had something I wanted to share during a session and couldn't or didn't but it stuck with me.<br /><br />This happens a lot during the day as I work at my desk, alone in my consulting practice - I hear something or read something and think - "wait ... but what about...?" - so I decided to start a blog. Each entry is no more than 250 words to force me to practice concise, brevity with my writing (not easy) and its on some arts and culture related issue or topic. <br /><br />I appreciate comments (thoughtful ones only please) and suggestions for further reading where appropriate.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/206881209087627831-6265876035479235035?l=thoughtsontheartsfor250orless.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Victoria Plettner.Saundershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13044397783509241105noreply@blogger.com0