The Arts Keep Kids in School

Woody Duncan, a retired art teacher friend of mine, just had a letter published in his local newspaper that I thought deserves to be shared. Maybe it will inspire you to write a letter to your local paper about the arts in your schools. We can never stop advocating for the arts.

The Arts Keep Kids in School

IT IS wonderful that the American Girl Company selected Albuquerque as the location for their 2012 doll, book, and movie. This is a real plus for the image of our city and the state of New Mexico.

But, in the story, the fourth grader Saige discovers that her favorite subject in school “art” is only offered every other year. Now the whole world knows the state of art programs in our elementary schools.

Shame on us, for in a state so rich in art we don’t offer art and music every year.

As a retired art teacher, I understand too well the power of the arts in our schools. As my art supervisor used to say: ”Students don’t pull their pants on every morning to go to math and science classes. They show up excited for art and music and while there they go to math and science classes.”

Wake up Albuquerque, the arts keep kids in school.

Woody Duncan

Albuquerque