RIDGEFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT will celebrate Youth Arts Month through partnerships with Ridgefield businesses, organizations, the city of Ridgefield, and community members to offer opportunities for children to create and display art throughout the month of March, recognized nationally as Youth Arts Month.
RIDGEFIELD YOUTH ARTS MONTH developed as a way to bolster support for the fine and performing arts throughout the community while supporting the district's commitment to delivering personalized learning experiences for each student.
RIDGEFIELD – Ridgefield School District will celebrate Youth Arts Month through partnerships with Ridgefield businesses, organizations, the City of Ridgefield, and community members to offer opportunities for children to create and display art throughout the month of March, recognized nationally as Youth Arts Month.
"Youth Arts Month was established to emphasize the value of participating in art for all elementary and secondary students. In Ridgefield, Youth Arts Month developed from a tiny spark of an idea. Now it has ignited into a month-long celebration of all the arts during March," said Barbara Wright, a member of the organizing committee.
Ridgefield Youth Arts Month developed as a way to bolster support for the fine and performing arts throughout the community while supporting the district's commitment to delivering personalized learning experiences for each student.
"Participation in the fine and performing arts provides our students a creative outlet to express their emotions, thoughts, and skills," said Dr. Nathan McCann, superintendent of Ridgefield School District and a member of the organizing committee. "Robust support for the arts is essential to a whole child education and research tells us that high-quality art educational opportunities enhance critical-thinking skills and foster critical values such as empathy and tolerance."
The schedule of events begins on March 1, but the official commencement events will be held on Sat., March 5. Partnering with the city of Ridgefield, Youth Arts Month will be the focus of the city's First Saturday activities. Arts activities for individuals of all ages are scheduled throughout the morning at the Ridgefield Community Center and the Ridgefield Community Library.
Ridgefield School District students participating in Missoula Children's Theater will present two performances of Aladdin at Ridgefield High School's Performing Arts Center, 2630 S. Hillhurst Road. Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and admission prices are $4 for adults and $2 for children.
The annual Kick-Off Concert will be held that evening at Old Liberty Theater, 113 N. Main Avenue. The concert, which begins at 7 p.m. will feature performances by local dancers, musicians, poets, and singers. The suggested donation is $5, and 100 percent of proceeds will go to support Ridgefield School District Youth Arts programs. Last year's show received extremely positive reviews, and organizers are equally excited about this year's event.
"The line-up includes inspiring performances by talented artists, including singer/songwriter, Paul Lesinski, The Fuse Dance Force dance company, poet laureate Christopher Luna, an incredible piece by Rejoice! Diaspora celebrating cultural diversity, and other live vocal, dance and poetry pieces. This fast paced collection of all things artistic is the perfect way to celebrate and encourage a lifetime of creativity," said Carla Kendall-Bray, the event's executive producer.
"It doesn't get any better than an evening of incredible performances in a historic theater in beautiful downtown Ridgefield," notes Wright.
Ridgefield Youth Arts Month will receive formal recognition the following week. The Ridgefield School Board of Directors will issue a resolution supporting Youth Arts Month on March 8 at their regularly scheduled meeting. On March 10, at the Ridgefield City Council meeting, Mayor Ron Onslow will sign a proclamation declaring March Youth Arts Month in Ridgefield.
In celebration of Ridgefield Youth Arts Month, Ridgefield Community Education is offering a variety of free classes. In cooperation with local artists, students will have the opportunity to experience a variety of arts and crafts, dance and creative expression.
"We are excited to offer our students a variety of opportunities to explore their creative side. Whether it be handcrafts, dancing or theatre, Ridgefield youth are sure to find a way to express themselves through art," said Terri Cochran, the district's community education director.
Additionally, businesses and organizations throughout Ridgefield have teamed up with Ridgefield School District to display student art in their offices and shops.
"March in Ridgefield is the time to see magnificent student art, hear amazing student music, and enjoy wonderful student performances," said Wright.
"I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of our school district to the entire Ridgefield community for partnering with the district to support Youth Arts Month. Special thanks go to the Ridgefield Art Association and Dance Fusion Northwest for all their hard work," added McCann. "Seeing the groundswell of support for Youth Arts Month is one of the many reasons that make Ridgefield such a great place to live and learn."
Youth Arts Month started in 1961 when the Council for Art Education and National Art Education Association named March as Youth Arts Month to recognize art education and the value of art to create a better quality of life for all people. Ridgefield Youth Arts Month represents a partnership between Ridgefield School District and the Ridgefield community encouraging young people to take part in artistic endeavors including literary, visual, musical, and performing arts.
For a full list of the Schedule of Events throughout the month of March, go towww.RidgefieldYouthArts.com.
