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Arts Estero nurtures culture group fills gaps in school programsBy denise l. scott dscott@news-press.com Originally posted on December 01, 2007 Students' exposure to the arts is often limited by tight school district budgets. However, a volunteer community group is trying to fill that monetary gap while exposing all ages to the arts in the Estero area. The Greater Estero Cultural Arts Council, Inc. — better known as Arts Estero — is an offshoot of the Estero Council of Community Leaders. Now an entity in and of itself and beginning its second year, Arts Estero has 125 members. The group is working to promote the arts through its own fundraisers and showcases as well as by supporting local arts programs. The educational community is well represented on the Arts Estero board, taking up five of the 11 director spots. Representing the elementary level are Jill Van Waus, principal of San Carlos Park Elementary, and Alexandra Wilkinson, parent and community involvement coordinator for Pinewoods Elementary. "The Arts Estero group has been very supportive in terms of bringing out the existence of the arts community in Estero and connecting them with students," Van Waus said. "They really understand if we're going to have an arts community, it's going to have to start at the student level. They will become lifelong artisans." Unfortunately, she said, all these things cost money and need community support. Another board member, Mark Gurnow, knows all too well the costs of participating in the arts as director of bands for Estero High School. He said he had to beg community groups for $6,500 to replace a sousaphone, and he must raise $1,000 just to dry clean the band uniforms after one football game. That's $10,000 per season in dry-cleaning bills. Gurnow said the arts are a vital part of education, and research has shown the arts to have a positive effect on students' test scores. "Counting in music helps to develop the math side of the human brain," he said. Unfortunately, Gurnow said, when school district budgets are squeezed, elective classes are usually the first to go. "I hope this group would want to enlighten the community and provide financial assistance to the schools," he said. "I feel like they're headed in the right direction. Everybody on the board is passionate about the arts." Arts Estero directors from Florida Gulf Coast University are Barry Cavin, chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, and Bonnie Yegidis, provost and vice president for academic affairs. A recent meeting of the group was dominated by discussion about arts activities at the various school levels and potential community involvement and support. Arts Estero plans to start accepting applications from area elementary schools in need of arts enrichment grants. The program is being kicked off by an $840 donation from the Richard R. Pautz Lifelong Learning Foundation. Cavin said it is vital to expose children to works of art as early and as often as possible. "The visual and performing arts are antidotes to messages of violence and injustice," he said, referring to a quote by John F. Kennedy in which the former president said he looked forward to an America which commands respect throughout the world not only for its strength but for its civilization. "We can only realize that worthy dream when our youth are taught the true value of art," Cavin said. "So groups like Arts Estero do what they can to make sure that every student is confronted with grace and beauty somewhere along the way." Cavin said Arts Estero members want to remind the community how important the arts are to creating a life worth living. And its not just children who benefit from the exposure. Cavin said FGCU is always seeking community volunteers to work as ticket takers, ushers, and docents for its visual and performing arts events. He said a perk is getting to see the shows for free. Lee Memorial Health System has even sought out Arts Estero to help spread the word about its healing with the arts program. Arts Estero Vice President Joan Doyle said the group has become a leading advocate for cultural arts and entertainment for residents of all ages. She said it does so through philanthropic activities, expanding its membership and volunteer base, sponsoring and promoting fundraisers, providing grants and creating business partnerships. "Addressing and supporting the needs of students of the arts — all ages, from pre-school, elementary to high school, college and beyond — are the council's thrust," she said. |
04/22/2008
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