Conley Publishing - Special Sections
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/290316
2 • Exploring the Arts • N e w s G r a p h i c & D a i l y N e w s • M a r c h 2 0 1 4 Festival of ARTS Saturday, April 5 10AM - 4PM Festival Updates: washington.uwc.edu UW-WC Fine Arts Series features pianist, Alpin Hong on Sunday April 6, 2:30pm 262-335-5208 or email: wsh-tickets@uwc.edu 400 University Drive, West Bend 236863013 Free Admission! Arts & Crafts Sale Student Artwork Music Photography Art & Garden Seminars Art Make & Take It Farmers Market Food & Fun ON THE COVER: Museum of Wisconsin Art photo by John Ehlke; Paramount Plaza Blues sculpture photo by Mark Justesen; Mariner's Compass Quilt at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber photo by Mark Justesen; Kettle Moraine Symphony photo by John Sancomb. Background photo by John Ehlke: "Watercolors" by Douglas Sigwarth and Renee Newgaard Sigwarth on display during the MOWA grand opening. I vividly remember the moment my son Henry first experienced "The Flagellants" at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. For those of you not famil- iar with Wisconsin's largest painting by Milwaukee born Carl von Marr, it is 14-by-23 feet and is amazing. Henry walked into the area where the painting hangs and abruptly stopped. He stared and wondered aloud if it was real. He was enthralled by Marr's creation. It was magical to watch him have that "aha moment" when his mind was opened to a whole new world. Our first edition of "Exploring the Arts" celebrates human expression and creativity. In Washington and Ozaukee counties we have a vibrant arts community. Drama, dance, music, art, literature — we have it all. The beauty and vision of our neighbors and friends inspire, soothe, provoke and connect us. The benefits of the arts are extensive. The arts provide opportunities for self-expres- sion. Both independence and collaboration are emphasized. The arts provide a common language that joins us. Our beliefs are challenged and our understandings expanded. The arts create that critical sense of community and provide economic benefits. John Kennedy in 1962 said, "the life of the arts, far from being an interruption, a dis- traction, in the life of the nation, is very close to the center of a nation's purpose — and is a test of the quality of a nation's civilization." Studies show that students who participate in the arts, both in school and after school, demonstrate improved academic performance and lower dropout rates. Students with an education rich in the arts have better grade point averages, score better on standardized tests in reading and math, and have lower dropout rates — findings that cut across all socio-economic categories. The arts can "level the playing field" for young- sters from disadvantaged circumstances. I urge you to visit an exhibit, attend a performance or cultural event or partici- pate in a class. You will be inspired. — Heather Rogge is publisher of the News Graphic and Daily News.