The Maine Department of Education and the Maine Arts Commission a celebration of Excellence in Maine Visual and Performing Arts Education hosted by First Lady Ann M. LePage, December 4, in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta.

Joining the First Lady are State Board of Education Chair Martha Harris, and Maine Arts Commission Executive Director Julie Richards, and Acting Education Commissioner Bill Beardsley.

The Excellence in Maine Visual and Performing Arts Education is a rotating exhibit that displays artwork throughout the State House complex and the Department of Education in the Cross Building. Sixty-three students from AOS 93, AOS 92, MSAD 41, and the Biddeford School District, will have their artwork displayed through the end of February.

Music groups from these districts performed during the celebration. Mrs. Ann LePage presented each art student a certificate and a letter from Governor Paul R. LePage recognizing their creative accomplishments.

Governor LePage’s letter to the students, reads in part: “Art shows creative thinking that is seen in other subjects like with the great artist Leonardo da Vinci. He was an artist, sculptor, architect, scientist and military engineer. In addition to his beautiful art, he made important discoveries about human anatomy … The arts are a vitally important part of any education because it’s the creative thinking that leads to imagining new ways of making things work and improving the world we live in.”

Maine DOE Visual and Performing Arts Specialist Beth Lambert says, “I am so proud of the work Maine arts teachers are doing with our students throughout the state. It is a privilege to have these students come to Augusta and be honored in this way. Arts education is essential for all students in order to gain the skills needed to develop college and career readiness, such as critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity so that Maine kids can succeed in the ever-changing diverse and global economies of today’s world.”

Skyler Kurr, a second grade student at Nobleboro Central, said it was “really cool” to be at the State House.

The Nobleboro students at the event were:

Grade K: autumn torn paper and paint assignment: Logan Rogers, Brady Weaver, Garidyn Wood;

Grade 1: Rowan Coffin, Pumpkins with Tempra and markers; Otto Giberson, Weaving, watercolor paint;

Grade 2: Phin Hansbury, bird and tree with tempera paint; Skyler Kurr, falling leaves, watercolors/markers;

Grade 3: Grace Ward, lighthouse, cut paper – favorite part of the assignment, “... not being able to use marker or crayons.;” Bronwen Coffin, galaxy paint/cut paper; Clover Dixon, lighthouse (Lions Lighthouse) cut paper; and Shuhan Wu created a galaxy of paint/cut paper, and said, “I like my earth and rocketship! Last year I lived in China.”

Grade 4: Gwen Weaver, still life oil pastel; Lincoln Ball, nautical print;

Grade 5: Garrett Howard, silhouette of watercolor on paper; Marley LeBel, “Enchanted Forest,” watercolor on paper;

Grade 6: Madalyn Mercer and Quinn Prentice's individual work was of a full moon, pastel/watercolor paint; Leah Robison, organic and geometric with markers;

Grade 7: Maddy York, “M is for Maddy,” oil pastels.

K-8 Art Educator, Lisa Workman, has been teaching for 15 years and has a tremendous insight. Among the points she made in speaking with me were,

“When kids do well in art, they do better at testing,” Workman said.  “Why is it kids love art; It’s hands-on and there is not always a right answer. Their personalities come out in their art work, and I can tell which students are good in math and science for example though their art work.”