For the past 11 years I have taught at Bagdad Elementary School in Bagdad, FL (just east of Pensacola). Every 3-4 years I put on a big production called ARTS ALIVE. Due to Ivan blowing through in September and the massive amount of damage to our area, I was going to cancel this (our 3rd) event. However, I have had many parents, faculty and students who have requested I please do it again. So, I am giving it my best shot and asking for your help. I am copying a letter that I send out to artists to request their help. The problem is quite a few of my local artist friends lost their studios or homes or have some other storm related hardship at this time..although I know this extends far beyond the panhandle! So, please read on....and please consider us for what I believe to be a wonderful event for the children of Bagdad. Thank you, Jennifer Johnston
On April 21st, we will be having our third Fine Art auction and student exhibit, called ARTS ALIVE. It has been such an overwhelming success in the past that my principal, students and parents have asked us to do it again. Due to the tremendous amount of work involved it has been 4 years since the last ARTS ALIVE. This program not only helps expose our students to more of the art world, but also assists in raising money for The Gulf Coast Kid's House and the Bagdad Elementary Art department. This leads me to the reason I am contacting you. As part of this program, I would like my students to experience first hand a wide variety of artworks from around the world. I am trying to contact numerous artists to participate in this event. I am asking (begging) for donations from artists. I will gratefully accept anything you can part with. (Prints, jewelry, sketches, paintings, sculptures, glass, pottery, etc....even imperfect items!) Over $3,600 was raised with over 70 participating artists in the last Arts Alive we held!
What will I do with your work? Due to finances and our schools focus on academics, we do not take field trips to art museums or galleries. Consequently, I have decided to bring the experience to them. During the month of April, all donated pieces will be on display in a gallery (my classroom draped in black and white fabric) for each student in Kindergarten through Fifth grade to visit. They will participate in discussions of the pieces and techniques, as well as explore the topic of aesthetics. Last year each child chose a work of art and discussed it with their classmates. As a teacher, that was truly a wonderful experience. Please understand that most students at our particular school will ONLY be able to have this kind of experience in an educational setting.
This brings me to the auction we will hold in April. I plan to invite School Board members, business and community members, parents, etc. The student auction (where students will place their artwork up to be bid on) will be live and full of energy and excitement. Displayed alongside of the student auction will be the gallery-donated pieces for a "silent" auction. The proceeds for the fine art auction will be divided between the Art Department and Gulf Coast Kids House. I am reaching out to you in hopes you will recognize the importance of a child being able to EXPERIENCE true ART- not just posters prints, slides and models.
I know how frustrating it can often be as an artist. You are constantly asked to give to this or that cause, charity or organization. I just fiercely hope that you will see the worthwhile nature of this event for our children and our community. The children are very excited about this...and so am I.
If you have decided to participate, please send your work to the adress below anytime before April 7th. I would be grateful if you included any information on the art you are donating and yourself. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call me. My number at school is (850) 983-5680. My e-mail address at school is johnstonjs@mail.santarosa.k12.fl.us, and at home is jenandbrad@bellsouth.net . You can check out our school website at www.santarosa.k12.fl.us/bes. Also, the Gulf Coast Kids House is fairly new and has no web site, but an article I found on the web can be accessed at http://www.gulfcoastkidshouse.com Please forward this information along to anyone that you think might be interested.
With my Sincerest Thanks and Best Wishes,
Jennifer Johnston
Art Teacher
Bagdad Elementary School
4512 Forsyth St
Bagdad, FL 32583
PS- I promise to have the art portion of our school website updated this weekend! I'm our school webmaster, as well.
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