Impact of Art Education upon Student Retention

The United States was once a leader in education and we have been falling behind as graduation rates in some high schools declines. 

A 2009 Center for Arts Education study showed that NY High Schools with the highest drop-out rate had the least access to arts instruction. 

Anecdotal evidence showed many "at-risk" students saying they stayed in school because of an art program that involved them. 

Research has also shown that arts education has had a measurable impact on "at-risk"youth in deterring delinquent behavior and truancy problems while also increasing overall academic performance.

So, the Center for Arts Education decided to look at New York HIgh Schools and see what they could learn.  Read their study.  


For more information, go to the study:  http://www.cae-nyc.org/sites/default/files/docs/CAE_Arts_and_Graduation_Report.pdf

A welcome message from the Chair of AOCC

Welcome to Our New Website!

I am excited to announce that the Arts of Clark County's website is now live!  Please explore this site to get an overview of the cultural landscape of Clark County and Southwest Washington. You will learn of colorful and creative special events, performances and exhibits which highlight some of the talent and creative energy found in our cities and county.   

We invite you to become a participant by either supporting these events through attendance or joining an arts groups of your choice.  Creative expression is encouraged and admired in our county and you can step in to join the fun at any time.

You may also get involved by volunteering your time, donating money, or by contributing to the discussion in this blog.

The Arts are an important aspect of our lives and key to the education of our children.  What do you believe would enrich and preserve our quality of life?  What elements are required for a vibrant, creative and innovative region?    What do you think is important to promote, encourage and enhance the arts? Lets talk!

Thank you for your visit.  Please come back and please get involved.

Laurel Whitehurst, Chair, Arts of Clark County

A Day Without

Imagine a day without art.  I mean all art.  Not just Picasso.  Or Schubert.  Or Baryshnikov.  I mean, a day without the art that exists in your daily life––the art that you take for granted.  Because that is art, too.  I am talking about the music you download to on your iPod.  The film you rent from Netflicks.  The image you "borrow" from the web.  Let's imagine, just for a moment, that all art disappears.  You are standing in the elevator going up five stories, and it is completely silent because, well, there is no music playing in the background.  You are walking into an office building, and you are surrounded by bland beige because, well, there are no paintings to give the walls any color.  

You get my drift. . . 

We take art for granted because it is so much a part of us.  But without the support for the arts, active support, it can go away because it takes an artist to make art.  And artists and their art need support.  Here is where the Arts of Clark County (AOCC) comes in.  We have been formed to promote, encourage, and enhance creative expression and artistic opportunities in Clark County and Southwest Washington. And what's more, we support all forms of art—music, theatre, dance, and literary, visual, and media art—and work to ensure that arts experiences are inclusive of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. 
We encourage you to support the arts.  Attend.  Listen.  Donate.  Volunteer.  Expand Access.  Get Involved.  See.  And  participate.  Without your help, we all just may find ourselves one day without it.  How silent and bland our lives will be.

You can find out more about the AOCC and the art of Clark County by visiting our website.  


--Dene

Welcome to the Arts of Clark County

Welcome to the Arts of Clark County. This is a organization aimed at promoting the arts.