“Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America . . . “

Congressman John Lewis urged each of us to “answer the highest calling of your heart” in an essay he wrote shortly before his death in 2020.  So, as we mark African American History month this February, let us be moved by his words to do something. “Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part . . .” How can you make African American History part of teaching and learning in the arts? 

With gratitude for all that you do in support of arts education,

Janet Hayakawa, Associate Director 
The Arts - Danc e, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Janet.Hayakawa@k12.wa.us
Cell/Text: 360-764-6157

Artwork— “Change Sings” by Tyler McKinley, Superintendent’s High School Art Show, 2021.

Alumni Feature: Gina Sicliano

In honor of the Art Show’s 50th Anniversary, we will feature past award winners and the role that art has played in their lives.                   

Gina Siciliano participated in the 2003 Superintendent’s High School Art Show and won an award for her oil paster, “Self Portrait”.

Gina went on to graduate from Pacific Northwest College of Art in 2007, where she studied oil painting, anatomical drawing, and figure sculpture. She self-published an ongoing queer feminist zine called So What, and then self-published two graphic novellas—The Roaming Heart (2009) and Summer Time (2011). She’s also continued oil painting, primarily portraiture, often utilizing early modern and Caravaggesque techniques. Gina is also a musician, the drummer and vocalist for two different rock bands—MegaTiger and Oixoi.

Gina is currently out in the streets protesting, working on a series of new essay comics, and honing her grant writing skills to obtain more support for her next historical graphic novel.  Examples of her work can be seen on her website www.ginasiciliano.com.

Preliminary Report Reflects Racial Disparities

The Washington Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) released a preliminary report, Racial equity Effects of Restricting In-Person Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic.  The preliminary report concludes that, “Racial disparities in student assessment scores increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in higher poverty schools. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction does not yet have a process to monitor the effectiveness of federally funded interventions to promote learning recovery.”

Elida’s Story of School Reengagement   

This video tells the story of how Elida disconnected from school during the pandemic, then with support, reengages with learning and produces a podcast which explores this topic.

Washington State’s Black Women in the Arts    

This animated mini documentary was produced by the Northwest African American Museum’s Youth Curator program. A cohort of Pacific Northwest students wrote the script and managed the content of this documentary produced in 2020.

Celebrate Black Theatrical History

The Educational Theatre Association has curated resources including interviews with Black theatre artists, links to performances, plays, and other materials to add to your curriculum.

The Music of Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack studied classical performance piano and started her career as a music teacher, but she always dreamed of stardom. This American Masters program tells Flack’s story in her own words—her artistry, life, and her lifelong commitment to civil rights.

Use Infographics to Build Media Literacy  

More and more infographics, or visual information of complex information can tell stories just as well as text. This article outlines how to build student understanding of infographics utilizing both critical and creative thinking. Background information, research, and links to many examples are included.

Infographic—“A Vivid View of Extreme Weather”, The New York Times, December 28, 2022.

Movement and Art Activities Help Reduce Trauma Responses

Art and movement can be combined with general trauma-informed interventions to help support emotional regulation and reduce stress. This article shares research, background information, steps to take and specific activities. Remember to consult with the school counselor, administration, and families before applying these practices.

Artwork—“Art Heals Us” by Rebecca Wu, Youth Arts Month Flag, 2022.

Black Artist Contributions to Broadway  

In celebration of Black History Month, Broadway.com highlights Broadway milestones of power players, major events and groundbreaking shows from 1898 to 2019 and beyond.

Illustrations—“Audra McDonald” by Ryan Casey

Arts and Technology for Racial Justice Podcast Series

Grantmakers in the Arts examines the intersection of the arts and technology in a series of artist-led conversations. In the first episode, meet Stephanie Dinkins, artist, educator and founder of the future history studio at Stony Brook University.

Photo—“Self Portrait” by Stephanie Dinkins

OSPI Resources 

Universal Design for Learning & The Arts – background information, videos, tips and tools

Arts Collection on the Washington Open Educational Resources (OER) Hub—standards-aligned lesson plans and resources.

Seeking Art Show Submissions 

Every year, all nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) across the state host regional high school art shows.  Beyond issuing regional awards, the ESDs will each send 15 finalists to OSPI for entry into the Superintendent’s High School Art Show.  The Superintendent’s Show will award approximately 20 statewide awards during a special awards ceremony for 2023, the 50^th Anniversary of the Superintendent’s High School Art Show.  More to come.  Please reach out to your high school art teacher or your local ESD to participate in your regional art show.

ESD 101—Spokane

ESD 105-- Yakima

ESD 112—Vancouver

ESD 113 – Tumwater

ESD 114—Bremerton

ESD 121—Renton

ESD 123—Pasco

ESD 171 – Wenatchee

ESD 189—Anacortes

Artwork—“Georgia on My Mind” (Governor’s Choice Award) by Margot Massey, 2022 Superintendent’s High School Art Show

Meet with District Arts Administrators—Feb 16, 7-9 pm

A special, free session is being offered at the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Northwest Division Conference in Bellevue for district arts administrators. Topics of discussion will include: ESSB 5878, HB 1660, Assessments, Open Discussion. Please plan to join us, we would love to see you there—Hyatt Regency Bellevue, Juniper Room. Questions? Contact Carol Pederson, K-12 Visual & Performing Arts Coordinator, Spokane & WA Music Educators Association (WMEA) Administration Curriculum Officer.

What No One Talks About —Deadline Mar 1 

The American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) announces a national playwriting competition for ages 12 to adult.  This year’s theme, “What No One Talks About” encourages writers to address something that is important, but difficult to talk about.  The mission of Playwrights for Change is to “produce meaningful conversations that will ripple across our nation to provoke change.”

Arts in Education (AIE) Partnership Grants—Deadline Mar 2

ArtsWWA announces this opportunity for no-profit organizations, public schools, and tribal, state, or municipal agencies working with PreK-12 students. The AIE grant directly supports arts and cultural learning opportunities for PreK-12 students. Grants range from $3,000 - $15,000. Learn more and apply here. Register for a grant information session here.

Artwork—Teaching Artist Isobel Coney’s paper house project turned this classroom into a city. Photo Credit: Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Celebrate the West Art Competition—Deadline Apr 30

The Western Governors’ Association launches its annual competition sponsored by Americans for the Arts. High school students are challenged to create original works inspired by their state. A panel of arts experts will select one finalist from each state and territory who will go on to compete for overall First, Second and Third Place. Cash awards will be given.  2023 Competition Guidelines and Application

Seattle Theatre Group Matinees

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) presents and produces several matinees each season for school and community groups. To expand learning, workshops and study materials are included with many of the performances.  In an effort to provide accessible arts opportunities for the community, no group will be turned away without trying to find solutions.  See this season’s line up here.

Free Professional Learning – Accessibility for All 

For a limited time, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is offering this self-paced online learning opportunity focused on designing materials for any learner.  The course will feature edtech tools that have built-in accessibility and usability features allowing learners to have personalized experiences when engaging with content. Register here.

Call for Student Performing Artists

The U.S. Department of Education is issuing a “call” across the United States and its territories for student performing artists who are currently enrolled in elementary, secondary, or post-secondary schools or accredited trade schools, who exemplify resilience, diversity, and excellence and are interested in showcasing their talent, virtually or in-person, at internal and external Department-hosted events.  Student performances can be, but are not limited to, bands/marching bands, color guards, soloists, choirs, dancers, poets/spoken word artists, and theatrical performers. Learn more and start a submission here.

Arts for All—Join the Movement!

OSPI, the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA), Inspire Washington,  Arts Ed Washington and the Creative Advantage have formed the Arts for All (A4A) Coalition to ensure that all PreK-12 students in Washington State have access to quality arts learning.  A4A seeks to achieve this by developing statewide arts leadership, collecting and analyzing arts education data, and supporting educators and teaching artists through professional learning opportunities. Sign up to stay informed.