Category Archives: School arts

SPI Announces Implementation of Proposition 28 – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond joined fellow proponents of Proposition 28, passed by voters in 2022, to launch the Promise of Proposition 28 in Los Angeles on May 22, 2023. Proposition 28 provides nearly $1 billion annually in funding for arts and music throughout California schools so students in all grades can participate in arts and music programs. Superintendent Thurmond joined initiative proponents including former Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Austin Beutner, artists Aloe Blacc and Will.i.am, the California Teachers Association, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 99 as well as philanthropists, school administrators, current arts and music educators, education union representatives, and aspiring arts educators at the Music Center in L.A. to discuss how the $933 million in funding will be rolled out this fall for the 2023–24 school year.

“California voters overwhelmingly voted to support this nation-leading investment—the largest investment in arts and music education in the country,” Superintendent Thurmond, an early proponent of Proposition 28, said. “The arts are a necessary part of a well-rounded education. We know the arts help kids connect with school and have a positive impact on student attendance and school climate. With these funds, we are providing every student with a creative outlet.”

Source: SPI Announces Implementation of Proposition 28 – Year 2023 (CA Dept of Education)

Solano students show creativity in artwork at Solano County Student Art Fair – Times-Herald

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By Jordan Baker

Ceramic cakes, skeletons drawings, and oil paintings were only a fraction of the creativity displayed Saturday at the Solano County Student Art Fair.

A diverse collection of artwork — some 500 pieces of it — featured displays of computer art, clay pottery, clay sculpture, drawing, fiber, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, and general sculpture.

The fair was also a competition. In addition to “Best of Show” and winners for first place through third, each student received certificates of participation.

Source: Solano students show creativity in artwork at Solano County Student Art Fair – Times-Herald

Solano College Theatre brings ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ to stage – Daily Republic

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Solano College Theatre will open its next production, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” April 7.

On the main stage, the show is a jukebox musical adapted from the eponymous Oscar-winning film of 1994. It tells the story of two drag queens and a transgender woman who board a battered bus to perform an epic drag show in the remote Australian desert.

The show includes songs such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “It’s Raining Men” and “I Will Survive.”

Source: Solano College Theatre brings ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ to stage

Students encouraged to show off skills at 3rd annual Art Showcase – Daily Republic

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Students of all ages are encouraged to showcase their artistic talents in performance or physical arts at the third annual Solano Student Art Showcase.

The Solano County Office of Education hosts the event, which can include singer/songwriters, poets, jugglers, comedians, magicians, musicians, dancers, cheerleaders, painters, photographers, sculptors and others.

“We are grateful to our community partners for their continued support of Solano students through our art showcase,” Solano County Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson said in a statement. “Art not only helps students build skills and creativity, it provides students an outlet for expression, drawing upon their own unique experiences. I cannot wait to see our dynamic performers on stage and our talented artists’ work on display in this year’s exhibit.”

Source: Students encouraged to show off skills at 3rd annual Art Showcase

Fairfield-Suisun schools receive arts, music, materials grant from state – Daily Republic

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By Susan Hiland

Fairfield-Suisun School District trustees this week established a rough plan to spend some $12 million in one-time funding from the state, with a sizable chunk tentatively set aside to boost benefits given to retirees.

Sheila McCabe, assistant superintendent of Educational Services, gave a presentation to the board Thursday on a new Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant the district will receive.

Gov. Gavin Newsom this summer signed Assembly Bill 181, part of the bill established the Arts, Music and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun schools receive arts, music, materials grant from state

Vanden students prep to open award-winning ‘Hard Candy’ – Daily Republic

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Drama students at Vanden High School are busy setting the stage for a one-act play early next month that offers audiences a pair of separate short performances.

“Hard Candy” is a one-act comedy about people interviewing for a job who are willing to do anything – bribery, nepotism, blackmail, seduction and even an attempt at mind control – to get to the top of the corporate ladder.

Vanden drama teacher Jerald Bolden said students in the Drama 1 and Drama 2 classes will also present two other short stories.

Source: Vanden students prep to open award-winning ‘Hard Candy’

Student artists to be celebrated at showcase event at fairgrounds – Daily Republic

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Nearly 500 young artists will have their work on display Saturday during the Solano County Student Art Showcase at the county fairgrounds.

The free event will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. on the lawns next to McCormack Hall. The fairgrounds are located at 900 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo.

“Our students have been through so much over the last few years,” Johanna Nowak-Palmer, program manager of Youth Development in the Solano County Office of Education, said in a statement released Wednesday. “Our goal is to amplify their voices and elevate their creativity by bringing the whole community together to view their extraordinary art. We believe art empowers students, and we hope this allows them to express themselves in a healthy, positive and impactful way.”

Source: Student artists to be celebrated at showcase event at fairgrounds

Student artists to be celebrated at showcase event at fairgrounds – Daily Republic

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Nearly 500 young artists will have their work on display Saturday during the Solano County Student Art Showcase at the county fairgrounds.

The free event will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. on the lawns next to McCormack Hall. The fairgrounds are located at 900 Fairgrounds Drive in Vallejo.

“Our students have been through so much over the last few years,” Johanna Nowak-Palmer, program manager of Youth Development in the Solano County Office of Education, said in a statement released Wednesday. “Our goal is to amplify their voices and elevate their creativity by bringing the whole community together to view their extraordinary art. We believe art empowers students, and we hope this allows them to express themselves in a healthy, positive and impactful way.”

Source: Student artists to be celebrated at showcase event at fairgrounds

Armijo senior, Vallejo teen take Solano titles in national art competition – Daily Republic

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Armijo High School senior Fayola Fasuyi and Jesse Bethel High School’s Alex A. Palma Martinez have been selected as the Solano County winners in the Congressional High School Art Competition.

Fasuyi’s work is titled, “Gaze of a Black Experience.”

“Every year, I’m always amazed by the incredible talent and quality of art we receive for the Congressional High School Art Competition,” Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, said in the announcement of the winners from his district.

Source: Armijo senior, Vallejo teen take Solano titles in national art competition

County Office of Education accepting entries for Student Art Showcase – Daily Republic

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Art submissions for the 2022 Solano Student Art Showcase are being accepted.

The May 21 event, which will feature divisions for students in fourth through sixth grades, seventh and eighth grades, ninth and 10th grades, 11th and 12th grades and nontraditional, will take place at McCormack Hall on the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo.

“Art can be an amazing outlet for creativity and self-expression, especially during difficult times. Year after year, the art submitted by Solano students is a remarkable representation of the voices, personalities and resilience of our young people. I am excited to see what students create this year,” Solano Superintendent of Schools Lisette Estrella-Henderson said in a statement.

Source: County Office of Education accepting entries for Student Art Showcase

Performing during a pandemic: Vanden High drama crew reflects – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Corey Kirk

Following the curtain call Friday night, Vanden High School senior Makenze Munker walked off the stage with a satisfying sigh. After fulfilling her duties as one of the two student directors of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland,” she was engulfed by family and friends.

That’s something that she is still getting used to having back.

“It’s honestly surreal, having so many people support you, not only family,” Makenzie said. “It almost gets me emotional, my family is so supportive.”

Source: Performing during a pandemic: Vanden High drama crew reflects – The Vacaville Reporter

Wood High’s Madrigal is back – The Vacaville Reporter

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By Richard Bammer

Young, earnest singers and musicians, seasonal sounds, pageantry, dancing, theater, handmade costumes, dinner and dessert are the stuff of holiday shows across the country.

And they are among the trappings of the Will C. Wood High annual Sylvan Singers madrigal performances, back this year after being paused in 2020 because of the pandemic.

Sponsored by the WCW Choir Boosters, the Madrigal Dinner 2021 will be held, four shows in all, at the Convenant Community Church, 3870 Alamo Drive, Vacaville.

Like those in years past, the 24th annual event, part of longstanding tradition in Vacaville, is a fundraiser to support music education at the 998 Marshall Road campus.

Source: Sounds of the season: Wood High’s Madrigal is back – The Vacaville Reporter

Vaca artist seeks student assistants on Rocky Hill project – Daily Republic

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Rocky Hill Trail project artist Leslie Molera is looking for up to seven local youth artists to participate on her project.

The artwork consists of a mural on four steel panels and staggered cement piers with a portion of the panel artwork to be student-designed.

Molera is a Vacaville artist who has taught in after-school mural painting programs with students at Markham Elementary School and the Mariposa Boys and Girls Club, and at Buckingham Charter Magnet High School.

Source: Vaca artist seeks student assistants on Rocky Hill project

Armijo High student is grand prize winner in congressional art contest – Daily Republic

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Armijo High student Fayola Fayusi was the grand prize winner in the annual Congressional High School Art Competition in the 3rd District.

Fayusi was recognized for her piece, “Heroes Like Me,” and was one of 23 students recognized by Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove.

“Every year, I’m always amazed by the incredible talent and quality of art we receive for the Congressional High School Art Competition,” Garamendi said in a statement released by his office. “Congratulations to Fayola Fayusi, Alexandra Gionco and all of our county winners.”

Source: Armijo High student is grand prize winner in congressional art contest

23rd Annual Art on the Vine raises funds for Rodriguez High School Art Program – The Reporter

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The Fairfield-Suisun City Visual Arts Association invites the public to the 23rd Annual Art on the Vine. This year’s event is a fundraiser for the Rodriguez High School Art Program and features over 35 artists, four bands over two days and a food truck.

Some of the artwork will be previewed in a special display at the Solano Town Center Gallery located in the Solano Town Center, Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Live music on Saturday and Sunday will include the bands: Yuppie Liberation Front, The School of Rock House Band, and Solid Gold. On both days, wine tasting, bocce ball and a meal by ‘Mauricio’s Brunch-in-a-Box’ will also be available.

Source: 23rd Annual Art on the Vine raises funds for Rodriguez High School Art Program – The Reporter

Deadline arrives for Solano Virtual Art Fair entries – Daily Republic

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The deadline for students to submit photos and artwork for the 2021 Solano County Virtual Art Fair has been extended to Friday.

The art fair coincides with the annual county fair, which for the second straight year will be predominantly virtual. It runs June 17-20.

Children in transitional kindergarten through high school seniors are eligible to participate.

Source: Deadline arrives for Solano Virtual Art Fair entries

2021 CA Exemplary Arts Education Awards – Year 2021 (CA Dept of Education)

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State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that 33 California schools were selected for the California Exemplary Arts Education Award.

These schools engage students in quality arts education that meet California Arts Standards for Public Schools (Arts Standards) and demonstrate progress on indicators on the California School Dashboard. The awards are designed to celebrate successful efforts to engage students in arts through exposure to a variety of disciplines.

“This year has been especially challenging for our students and schools, but I commend these schools for recognizing that this is a time when the arts are more critical than ever,” State Superintendent Thurmond said. “These schools excelled in providing quality arts education, despite all the obstacles presented by distance learning. It is with great pleasure we honor these schools for their steadfast dedication to arts education that plays a powerful role in supporting wellness, bridging social divides, and expanding creativity and critical thinking in our students.”

Source: 2021 CA Exemplary Arts Education Awards – Year 2021 (CA Dept of Education)

Crescent Stars Soar When Creating Flying Hearts – Daily Republic

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By Kris Corey

Crescent Elementary School recently held its first ever Virtual Family and Staff Paint Night. The event was an overwhelming success. Students, family members and staff joined together via Zoom and had a fun time painting under the direction of Crescent’s Art Teacher, Dana Lockhart. To participate, the staff created a reservation system, and families stopped by to pick up pre-packaged art kits for the evening.

Crescent’s Principal, Jodie Phan, received positive feedback from families and students who are eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to create art together in a virtual setting. Principal Phan was excited to have such a positive event to bring the school family together. First grader Avery Bell said, “It was super fun!” Savannah Snyder, a 3rd grader at Crescent shared, “It was awesome! Can we do it again?”

Source: Press Release: Crescent Stars Soar When Creating Flying Hearts

Fairfield-Suisun Adult School preschool welcomes new mural – Daily Republic

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By Amy Maginnis-Honey

When youngsters return to the Fairfield-Suisun Adult School preschool program they will be welcomed by a completed mural that covers the outside walls of the classrooms and faces the play area.

Artist Stephanie Lombard added many details to the happy interactive scene where toddlers are encouraged to do modified push-ups with a painted raccoon, size their feet with the bear tracks painted on the cement, trace a bee trail and enjoy myriad creatures.

One detail includes a stick figure at two different mural locations – one in a bird’s nest, the other dancing with ladybugs.

Source: Fairfield-Suisun Adult School preschool welcomes new mural

SCOE’s Student Art Faire Moves Online | Benicia, CA Patch

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The Solano County Office of Education’s (SCOE) Annual Student Art Faire is going virtual this year. In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Art Faire is getting a new look, but will continue to showcase student artists from across Solano County.

Artistic expression is a healthy coping strategy and is beneficial to physical and mental development in children and youth. The Solano County Art Faire encourages youth to express themselves and the emotions they are feeling. Anxiety and stress may be increased for students due to the current social and global conditions, so providing students with a healthy coping mechanism and outlet is important.

Source: SCOE’s Student Art Faire Moves Online | Benicia, CA Patch