ArtFest launches Art Dollar Challenge supporting education

COURTESY PHOTO The "Art Under 20" tent at last year's ArtFest. ArtFest is asking businesses and individuals to reach into their wallets to support arts in education through the Art Dollar Challenge. A Fort Myersbased non-profit organization, ArtFest serves a dual function in the Southwest Florida community. Most visibly, the group hosts the yearly art festival held the first weekend in February in downtown Fort Myers. The art show draws more than 200 artists and 55,000 visitors to its two-day celebration. ArtFest also serves the community by supporting arts in education. As state budget cuts reduce funds for arts in the public school system, classrooms increasingly rely on support from outside organizations. As part of its programming, ArtFest sends artists into Lee County middle schools to give lessons and lead hands-on art projects. ArtFest also provides $200 and $400 grants to Lee County school teachers to supplement their yearly supply budget.

"For some teachers, that doubles what they have from the school district," says ArtFest Executive Director Sharon McAllister. She emphasizes the value of art education, pointing to its ability to teach students creativity and self-confidence.

Ms. McAllister also dismisses the myth that art studies are less crucial than traditional classes.

"The thinking skills that students learn from being engaged in art activities has everything to do with their ability to excel in math and science," she said. "It provides that foundation for them. We should not think of art education as a frill or luxury. It's core to what they learn."

And having a strong arts program ultimately benefits local businesses, Ms. McAllister says.

Students who are exposed to the arts make better employees and bring a unique, rounded approach to their jobs and communities. They develop a life-long love of the arts and patronize theaters, symphonies, and galleries. This, in turn, supports community businesses.

A three-year study led by the National Assembly of Local Arts Agencies reported that a strong arts community provides a significant economic impact on an area. In addition to the millions of dollars pumped into to the local economy by nonprofit arts agencies, the study concludes, "Arts districts attract business investment, reverse urban decay, revitalize struggling neighborhoods, and draw tourists. Attendance at arts events generates related commerce for hotels, restaurants, parking garages, galleries, and more."

Ms. McAllister encourages local businesses to support the arts in the Fort Myers community through Art- Fest's Art Dollar Challenge. A donation of $25 will purchase art supplies for an elementary classroom, $200 will send an artist to a middle school for the day, and $750 will send a high school student to the Ringling School of Art Summer Teen Workshop. The Corporate Art Buyers Program, for a $600 minimum donation, allows businesses to purchase original artwork for home, office, clients, or employees.

Oswald Trippe and Company, an independent insurance agency based in Fort Myers, supports the ArtFest program by sponsoring the Art Under 20 high school art show and competition.

"The arts have a significant role in education both for their intrinsic value and for the ways which they can enhance general academic achievement and improve students' social and emotional development," says Stacey Mercado, spokeswoman for the Oswald Trippe agency. "A strong arts community is essential to providing a cultural platform that offers the opportunity to grow, learn and succeed. When a community succeeds, the business community is able to succeed."