What is happening?
This Saturday, November 12 is the Mattie Rhodes Center Mask & More Auction. I was introduced to the Mattie Rhodes Center through my Regional Manager at my old graphic design job. She is on the board. Knowing my interest in art, she encouraged me to make a mask to donate to the auction. But more importantly to the cause. The history of the Mattie Rhodes Center is pretty fascinating. Mattie at a very young age died and left $500 to the children of Kansas City. Today, the center offers art exhibits and classes to the youth of our city that would not have those opportunities otherwise. Needless to say I was happy to make a mask, and find myself looking forward to it each year.
As I made my mask for this year, I found myself reflecting on the sad reality that art is no longer being offered to our kids. My sister is a first grade teacher and they don't have art. THEY DON'T OFFER ART CLASSES! I just can't believe it! If we stop the creative encouragement at such a young age, why do we think they'll pick it back up as young adults? How many studies need to be done to prove the importance of art and music in the development of our children. Although I sound like an angry parent, I am not, I don't have kids. But I do feel passionate about the arts being offered to our young future. I hope it changes. I hope that our schools can stop making cuts in the fine arts department. I hope we as a society will stand up and say it isn't ok, so if our kids need to be exposed in other ways, we will do that.
If you are free this Sat. I would suggest going to the auction. It is at Rees Masilionis Turley Architecture, 908 Broadway, KCMO. It is a wonderful evening of food, live music and art. What else is really cool about the auction is not only are local artists featured, but the children that attend the Mattie Rhodes art programs all make masks as well. You would be surprised at the talents and variety shown. The masks are wonderful and this year they have included paintings and jewelry as well. All proceeds go to the Mattie Rhodes Center to continue its outreach to the youth of our city. It is a wonderful cause and should be a great evening!
As I made my mask for this year, I found myself reflecting on the sad reality that art is no longer being offered to our kids. My sister is a first grade teacher and they don't have art. THEY DON'T OFFER ART CLASSES! I just can't believe it! If we stop the creative encouragement at such a young age, why do we think they'll pick it back up as young adults? How many studies need to be done to prove the importance of art and music in the development of our children. Although I sound like an angry parent, I am not, I don't have kids. But I do feel passionate about the arts being offered to our young future. I hope it changes. I hope that our schools can stop making cuts in the fine arts department. I hope we as a society will stand up and say it isn't ok, so if our kids need to be exposed in other ways, we will do that.
If you are free this Sat. I would suggest going to the auction. It is at Rees Masilionis Turley Architecture, 908 Broadway, KCMO. It is a wonderful evening of food, live music and art. What else is really cool about the auction is not only are local artists featured, but the children that attend the Mattie Rhodes art programs all make masks as well. You would be surprised at the talents and variety shown. The masks are wonderful and this year they have included paintings and jewelry as well. All proceeds go to the Mattie Rhodes Center to continue its outreach to the youth of our city. It is a wonderful cause and should be a great evening!
2 Comments:
They don't have art in school anymore??? What the heck is going on??? Science class is all mucked up and recess is almost non-existent and now there's no art?? That's it, I'm going to have to homeschool Gabe for his own protection. No joke.
By Jen , at 8:54 PM
I wonder how Gabe with do in his math class at Jen's homeschool?
By bgunner, at 7:52 AM
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