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CONTRIBUTORS
Staff
Editor-in-Chief: TyLisa C. Johnson Managing Editor: ChazrĂŠ Hill Copy Desk Chief: Keytron Hill Art Director: Brion Eason Deputy Art Director: Mike Bonds Multimedia Editor: Javon Grant Communications Director: Nadia Felder Deputy Communications Director: Kiara Whitehead Fashion Director: Sherrell Wilkerson Fashion Director: Chelsea Grant Fashion Director: LaRhonda Celestin
Adviser Francine Huff
Contributors
Kiara Whitehead, ChazrĂŠ Hill, Karlyn Sykes, Aaliyah Wilkerson, Jakeira Gilbert, Paris Ellis, Lissa Jules, Nathan Vinson, Brandon Jones, Chantal Gainous, Marissa Weaver
Art Team
Braxton White, Geoffrey Evans, Javon Grant, Asia Johnson
Communications Team
Amanda Jean-Mary, Aniah Jackson, Asia Bell, Aushlynn Timmons, Celeste Stephens, Nallah Brown, Sharon Washington, Troy Townsend, Treasure Glover, Kiah Lewis, Hailey Ray, Ferrisa Connell, Kaitlyn Jones, Jayla Wilson, Kishanda Burns
Photographers
LaDarius Gardner, Ernest Nelfrard, Stephon Williams
Special Thanks
Ann Kimbrough, Genevieve McDaniel, Asia Johnson
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BY CHAZRE HILL AND KIARA WHITEHEAD
DESIGN BY GEOFFREY EVANS
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BISCUIT DOUGH
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FULLY-COOKED GRILLED CHICKEN
POTATOES Cookbook Author, Elizabeth Rozin called it the “benchmark of versatility” in her book “Blue Corn and Chocolate”. According to the National Potato Council, the United States produced 19.8M potatoes in 2013. That’s proof enough that it can be the side dish or the star of the show, and it can definitely be a savior to beginning cooks.
It is late, you want to cook but you forgot to defrost your chicken. You can go get some chicken from the grocery store, but you STILL have to cook it! Thankfully, the struggle is no more with fully cooked grilled chicken. It can be kept sealed and chilled ready for variations of meals.
ART ALGORITHMS THE FUTURE OF MIXED MEDIA ARTS
BY: KARLYN SYKES DESIGN BY GEOFFREY EVANS
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I dare you to close your eyes for a moment and picture the future. Drift off, if only for a second, and imagine a world where abstract art pieces could be produced at the hands of robots or where your car might have flying capabilities. Imagine that dresses are not simply cut and sewn, but pressed on a 3-D printer or interactive art installations that creates live scenes using your very own shadow. shado Now snap back to reality and open your eyes, while I can’t quite promise personalized airborne vehicles, when it comes to the art world today, that seemingly “distant” fantasy is far more tangible than one might imagine.
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In the modern era of smartphones, smart cars and even smarter methods of sharing media, our generation has become increasingly dependent on technology in our daily lives. Consequently, this truth has been mirrored in creative expressions. But look beyond surface level interactions with artistic statement and social media at how technology is shaping the manner in which art is being produced and perceived. As a result of this technology heavy lifestyle, in the last decade, the engineering of a new wave of creative expression has been conceived.
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Coined “new media art”, Domenico Quaranta, contemporary art critic and contributor for Rhizome, a New York based digital art organization, explains this phenomena.
Willa Koerner, a freelance art critic and curator, who has worked from Complex all the way to Time magazine, argues for the salvation of the fine arts.
“In the late ‘90s and during the first decade of this century the term ‘new media art’ became the established label for that broad range of artistic practices that includes works that are created, or in some way deal with new media technologies,” Quaranta said.
“As budding technologies become more sophisticated and harder to escape, I see the arts as a way to cling to our humanness. The non-systematized flow of ideas and discourse prompted by odd, beautiful, purposeful artworks may save us from becoming human operating systems,” Koerner said.
The growing popularity of intertwining science and algorithm with art and design has given rise to new art forms such as kinetic sculpture, interactive art, laser-projection, light beam fixtures, 3D printing and even what the gamers of the world most often take for granted, videogame design. Entrepreneurial industries have exploded on the scene to capitalize on the contemporary exploration of fad interest in self-expression and technology. Tallahassee collaborative art space, Making Awesome, has made that business venture. Co-Founded by Brad Harris, and a group of roughly ten other artists, Making Awesome was established around 2011. These tinkers, builders and artists came together to form a collaborative group work space, a makerspace, to house the creativity and artistic expression as well as share material resources. Since moving into their latest home in Railroad square, Making Awesome has become the sight for creative workers to work on the cutting edge of technology and art, among them, the use of the highly popularized 3-D printer. “[3-D Printers] are often used when someone is more comfortable creating things in the safe, virtual environment of computer software – then [the printer] will output the design to a machine that will replicate it exactly. No need to get dirty, iterations are very quick, and you can work on your digital model at a coffee shop or in your pajamas,” Harris explained. It is at Making Awesome where the seemingly impossible of artistic expression seems to come to life through the modern conveniences of today’s technology, where the real beauty of engineered art unfolds. “This melding of technology and art are what we really love to see,” Harris said. “One example of this was a member that took various light emitting pieces of electronic equipment and built a project called ‘Electric Eyes’. Each ‘bulb’ was placed behind a face, or a pair of glasses, or some other mechanism was used to make the lights resemble eyes. The project was very popular, wonderfully executed and eventually was sold by the creator to the MagLab here in town.” But with the advent of these new media concepts, the question of whether art begins to lose its depth when produced through third party technological platforms is becoming a common concern among critics of the art world. Is the art piece being created with intent to provoke thought, or just to garner the “cool-factor”? Does being proficient in manipulating technology to produce design make you an artist?
Koerne thoughts on technology’s encroachment on the Koerner’s traditional arts begins to beg a more serious question. Where does this movement place fine arts methods in relevancy to modern society? To the critics of the engineered art world, Harris draws a very intelligible and agreeable comparison. “Similar things may have been said about film when it was first used as a medium of expression, and look at the film industry now,” Koerner adds. He goes on, “As an artist matures in their efforts, e the meaning and depth of their productions will also mature. I don’t think it is about the medium as much as the experience with it. Since these mediums are relatively new compared to something like paint, there isn’t as much of a cultural or shared experience yet, but that is changing. And it is accelerating.” Noble Sissle, a 1998 graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts, is now back on campus serving as assistant professor of the visual arts program nearly 17 years later. Sissle can speak to both sides of the debate. Specializing in animation and graphic design in his artistic studies at Savannah College for Art and Design, Sissle is able to utilize his knowledge of both the traditional and tech based innovation to facilitate the new media arts movement on FAMU’s campus. “The one thing I would say to critics of tech engineered art is to continue to push the boundaries of expressing oneself with technology, but embrace the traditional methods because it will always serve as a foundation. Students must strive to learn the tech engineered art while accomplishing the traditional arts first,” Sissle said. What is the consensus? Technology has become an essential part of our existence. From the way we consume information, to the way we produce it, and even the way we express ourselves, it is a narrowly unavoidable part of our everyday lives. It is important to remember that artistic expression via these virtual and tech based platforms– while complex, foreign and rule breaking–are no less valid or captivating.
The time to make the most of our collaborative intuitions and technological resources is the present in order to enhance the future of creative expression. Sissle puts it best, “With the challenges the world is facing today, the need for these creative ideas are present. As students learn the digital
creative process, they will magnify their concepts while increasing their impact.
Words by: Aaliyah Wilkerson Design by: Brion Eason
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the New Canvas:
Makeup As An Art Form
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mage, diversity and creativity are all essential elements to the blossoming of today’s generation. For decades, the use of makeup has been an extremely controversial topic that ultimately argues two sides: Does makeup serve as an escape for insecurities or does it serve as an outlet for self-expression? With a better understanding of fashion and an increased appreciation for art, many have now swayed toward the idea that makeup is a form of self-expression. Makeup is the new canvas. Having a “beat face” has become the epitome of maintaining the “look” for many young women. “What is a ‘beat face’?” you may ask. For those who are a bit startled by the phrase, keep calm. A “beat face” is fashion-talk for someone who has a fabulously perfected face after makeup has been applied.
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Ironic right? This new hot trend has revolutionized the art and fashion world by allowing people to express Since makeup artists have the most constant hands-on experience their image the way they want to. with makeup, their take on the controversy of makeup being considered an art of self-expression is highly valued. “Makeup has become “Every time I’m out in public and I see someone with one of the largest industries when it comes to allowing people to exa beat face, it gives me so much life,” said Ania Johnpress themselves. Many people use makeup not to define themselves son, freshman pre-pharmacy student at Florida A&M by hiding insecurities, but as an extension of their personality,” said University. Bria Jefferson, freshman business administration at FAMU student. “As everything is in life, makeup artistry is expanding Many males also disagree with the notion that women, in particular, and progressing,” said Keturah Bashara, junior biology wear makeup to hide their insecurities. For instance, Senior Political student at FAMU and makeup artist. “The best part of Science student, Cyrus Calhoun, III said, “It’s not always about ‘Oh, doing what I do is the reaction of my ‘work’.” if I wanted to look good, I have to wear makeup all the time.’” The demand for makeup artists, better known as MUAs, has drastically increased. They are considered modern-day Picassos of the 21st century, coming to our rescue at any time with clientele ranging from people who want to capture a certain look for a special occasion, to people who just don’t know how to apply makeup.
From dramatic contours to poppin’ mascara, makeup has become a refreshing outlet for many people to display their artistic skills and add an extra “spark” to their personalities. Makeup has created many artistic breakthroughs and has ultimately allowed people to emphasize diversity now more than ever. Hopefully, makeup artistry will continue to have positive influences on society in the future.
the new w
Bridging the Gap Between Unknown Artists and Mainstream Success
Words By: Nathan Vinson
T
he music industry has come a long way from the need and hunger to be signed to the hottest record label, thanks to the continuous growth of the Internet. Artists such as Dej Loaf, Bryson Tiller, Jhene Aiko and Chance the Rapper are just a few of the new kids on the block who are making names for themselves in the industry using just the promotion of digital media outlets. Let’s take a look at the year 2007, this was the year the South took over the music scene; everyone with a catchy beat and a southern drawl had a hit. One of the biggest hits of that year was Soulja Boy’s “Crank That,” which was quietly released via the Internet. “Crank That” quickly picked up steam and went on to be the first song to ever sell three million digital copies in the United States, according to Billboard. Aside from the high volume of hits sold, the YouTube views aren’t too far off, with a total of 201 million views. It seemed as if everybody was latched to YouTube, learning the moves to Crankin’, That Soulja Boy. To put it simply, “Crank That” was one of the earliest indications that the Internet’s power was immense in magnitude and limitless in its effect.
Designed By: Brion Eason
Now let’s fast-forward to Dec. 13, 2013. As the world was fast asleep, Beyoncé surprised the world by releasing her fifth, self-titled album without any promotion or warning. By noon, Twitter and Instagram were ablaze, with the praise of the early Christmas gift from the “Queen” herself. Even with her royal reign, her album and lead single, “Drunk in Love,” risked failure due to the lack of proper publicity. Yet even without frills like press tours, Instagram sneak peeks and radio play for her single, the “Queen” reigned supreme. “Drunk in Love,” featuring husband and legendary rapper Jay-Z, shot straight to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. The album went on to sell 617,000 copies in three days, making it the fastest bought album in the history of iTunes. The Internet has quickly become the ultimate marketing tool for artists to promote their music. Thousands of artists have left behind the formulaic promotion of the past and being signed to labels, and instead have chosen to take their promotion into their own hands. Additionally, SoundCloud has become the mecca for music creators to flaunt their best work. SoundCloud has propelled the careers of Chance the Rapper, Kehlani and Bryson Tiller into the limelight. The streaming service has been especially helpful for Tiller, who as a result of his popularity has consistently stayed in the Top 30 of all albums sold on iTunes.
wave The driving force behind this new wave of music share is the fan to artist interaction. “I feel that artists using social media to promote themselves is a great idea because their audience are on those apps and websites everyday,” says Khamari Spraggins, Tallahassee Community College freshman. However, there is a flip side, as Spraggins explains that artists “have to be careful about promoting themselves on these social media websites because their own songs and albums might get stolen if it isn't copyrighted.” In October a Twitter feud sparked between up and coming artist D.R.A.M and OVO rapper Drake. D.R.A.M. accused Drake of stealing his “Cha Cha” song. The Canadian actor turned rapper allegedly remixed D.R.A.M.’s “Cha Cha” under the title of “Cha Cha Remix,” posting it to the OVO SoundCloud account.
In this digital age, the music industry is entering a stride reminiscent of the hip-hop explosion of late 1990s. The lines are being continually blurred between genres and sounds, and with the increasing reliance on the internet and social media, this era will only blossom in the coming years. In the words of Florida A&M University sophomore, Bobby Roberts, “One does not have to be signed to a label in order to have success. Artists with unique sounds and a grasp on the Internet will attract mainstream audiences.”
Survival Guide to the
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e go for the atmosphere. We go for the people. A few of us go for the drugs, but when it comes right down to it, we are all there for the music. Music festivals have been a popular go-to for college students since the times of Woodstock. We know the current big names; Coachella, Lollapalooza, SXSW and Bonnaroo, but those are extremely costly and involve months of advanced preparation. Music festivals are wonderful and life-changing, but they can be challenging if you’re without the right things. So, the expenses are paid for, the hotel is booked, and the lineup has had you excited for months, what can you do now to maximize your festival experience?
PLAN I T OUT The worst thing a festival-goer could do is make plans as they go along. There’s nothing wrong with being flexible, but for a trip as big as these tend to be, keeping a general itinerary of things guarantees that everyone sees the artists they’re interested in seeing, set time aside to eat, rest and relax. Creating a bucket list or a to-do list to help you better prepare may be a good idea. Festivals are usually multiple long days, creating a need to pace yourself and marathon through the fun.
WATER & MORE WATER
DRESS SMART Be prepared for all types of weather. Especially for camping festivals, layers are highly recommended to ensure warmth and comfort. “TomorrowWorld in September got much colder at night since we were deep in the Georgia ZRRGV IRU ͤYH QLJKWV , ZLVK , KDG EURXJKW PRUH blankets and a sweatshirt IRU WKH WLPH , VSHQW DW WKH campgrounds sleeping. :KHQ LW UDLQHG , HQGHG up losing a lot of wet socks and my favorite pair of sneakers,� Victoria Johnson, a junior Florida A&M University Psychology student, recalled. Often times, Camping-based festivals don’t allow leaving and re-entry for their attendees, so there are no quick trips to Walmart if shoes and socks are soaked from hours in the mud. Yikes!
Staying hydrated is a top priority for the music festival experience. “You’ll need water more than anything else,� Rinaldy Alverez, City College of New York alumni, said when asked about the most important thing to pack. Although the festivals KDYH ZDWHU UHͤOO VWDWLRQV throughout the grounds, they’re commonly crowded and hard to reach at times. Securing plenty of water for you and your crew ensures a night of dancing and fun times with no worries of someone fainting or feeling sick. Camelbaks are a great way to transport large amounts of water. Don’t worry, empty ones are always allowed into the festivals.
KEEP IT POSITIVE ,W FDQ EH RYHUZKHOPLQJ taking in all of the music, lights and people, so pick a festival that has the vibes and experience \RX ZDQW ,I \RXĚľUH QRW ready to be around recreational drugs and fast-paced lifestyles, try to avoid scenes that tend to make that a large part of the experience. An open mind and a positive spirit can go a long way in enhancing the experience.
CHOOSE YOUR "RIDE OR DIE" WISELY
,I \RX NQRZ 6KRQGUD doesn’t like bugs and to be without her blow dryer for 24 hours, don’t invite her on a 3-day camping PXVLF IHVWLYDO ,W FDQ become crucial picking the right buddies for the right music festivals or you may end up with petty arguments that could ruin the whole trip. That isn’t to say to never invite the Shondra’s on any festival trips, but maybe she’ll catch the next one that has a hotel stay instead of a tent to sleep in.
Two up and coming killer music festivals are happening this spring break. Grab your fanny packs and glitter and prepare for your next adventure. BUKU MUSIC + ART PROJECT 2016 www.thebukuproject.com When: March 11-12, 2016 Where: Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, La. Genre: EDM (Electronic & Dance Music) & Hip-Hop/Rap Cost: General Adm. Adv. Tickets $169.50 ,QIR 7DNLQJ SODFH RQ WKH 5LYHUIURQW RI WKH %LJ (DV\ %XNX 0XVLF $UW 3URMHFW LV D JUHDW IHVWLYDO IRU ͤUVW WLPHUV ZKR DUH ORRNLQJ WR get the ambience and energy of the larger EDM festivals without WKH ͤQDQFLDO FRPPLWPHQW 7KHUH DUH QR FDPSJURXQGV DW WKLV venue which makes Buku purely a day-by-day festival. Past lineup includes A$AP Rocky, Lil Boosie, Bassnectar and Kaskade.
OKEECHOOBEE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 www.okeechobeefest.com When: March 4-6, 2016 Where: Sunshine Grove in Okeechobee, Fla. Lineup: Mumford & Sons, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Skrillex, Fetty Wap & More. *HQUH ('0 +LS +RS 5DS ,QGLH 5RFN Cost: 3-Day General Adm. + Camping Pass for $269.50 (Payment Plans available) The Facts: Coming from the creators of Bonnaroo is a new large festival down in South Florida who’s debut festival is this coming March. Sure to rival the big names, this is hoped to be the largest camping festival in Florida to come. This new festival is a great starter for those who wish to eventually tackle the big dogs like Bonnaroo and Coachella.
Words by: Chantal Gainous Designed by: Braxton White
A Year In
REVIEW February 15, 2015
“I’m just here so I don’t get finedâ€? Marshawn Lynch 7KH 1)/ WKUHDWHQHG WR ͆QH Seattle Seahawk running back $500,000 if he failed to show up on the annual Super Bowl media day. To SUHYHQW SD\LQJ WKH ͆QH Lynch literally just “showed up.â€? Any question that reporter through his way, he repeatedly answered “I’m just here so I don’t get ͆QHG Č— +LV VLPSOH UHPDUNV transformed into a comical Tweet as fans and other NFL player began tweeting how the NFL “can’t control everything.â€? The good news, /\QFK QHYHU JRW ͆QHG
April 23, 2015
June 11, 2015
June 17, 2015
June 27, 2015
Bill Cosby
Rachel Dolezal
Charleston church Massacre
Confederate Flag/ Bree Newsome
Once the president of the Spokane chapter of the NAACP, Rachel Dolezal, born white, pushed the black community into a frenzy when it was made clear she had been lying for years about being an African American woman. Dolezal KDV RI͆FLDOO\ RSHQHG WKH debate of if someone can be “transracial�, claiming that because she believes being black is being her true self, rather than “pretending to be something she’s not,� according to CNN. Dolezal, who claims to have drawn black self-portraits of herself at 5-years-old.
On June 17, nine people were fatally shot in a church in Charleston, South Carolina, during a Bible study service. Dylann Roof, 21-year-old white male, brought hate crimes back into the spotlight, as details were released of Roof participating in the church service for an KRXU SULRU WR RSHQLQJ ͆UH Under the weight of this hate crime, there seemed to be a feeling of solidarity throughout the black community, as people mourned this loss together.
Bree Newsome told CNN’s guest anchor Kate Bolduan that going to jail “was the price she had to pay as a IUHHGRP ͆JKWHU Č— 1HZVRPH was caught on video FOLPELQJ XS D ͇DJSROH WR rip down the Confederate Flag, or “the symbol of hateâ€? ͇DJ DW WKH 6RXWK &DUROLQD state capitol. She and Tyson, the man who just merely helped her down, were faced with three years of prison on a misdemeanor DQG RU D ͆QH
America’s favorite television father made the headlines his home after being accused of drugging numerous of women and raping them. Comedian Hannibal Buress introduced the story to the world after what he thought would be a simple joke. Women began to speak up on the accusations bringing more and more light to one of the biggest scandals of 2015.
Words By: TyLisa Johnson and Keytron Hill Design By: Braxton White
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Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, ever ything is different.
June 2015
August 2015 November 8,2016
September 25, 2015
October 10, 2015
November 13, 2015
Cuba vacay, anyone?
GOP Race for President
Caitlyn Jenner
No Justice! No Peace!
Pray for France
The Carters, America’s very own royal family, 2013 Cuban excursion piqued the interest of many wanderlust souls. This past summer the United States reopened its embassy in Havana, which allows United States citizens to travel to Cuba but with 12 distinct stipulations. Tourism is still banned by the Cuban embargo but if you are visiting close relatives, a part of an academic program for which you can receive credit, conducting professional research, participating in journalistic or religious activities or participating in public performances or sports competitions you are free to travel without application.
7KRXJK WKH ͆HOG RI Republicans attempting to gain the nomination for the 2016 presidential election is clearly a party overcrowded, no pun intended, with the most interesting candidates being Donald Trump and Ben Carson, the current leaders of the GOP race for party nomination. Who would have known a brain surgeon and a business tycoon could run for presidential nomination, and be, seemingly, successful? The debates have become legendary, causing twitter to explode and people everywhere to get interested in the political race, whether for or against the current GOP frontrunners; it’s easy to forget there are still a little less than 11 months until the presidential election. The nation is anxious to see who will be nominated next fall.
In addition to her Olympic gold medals, Caitlyn Jenner has recently added the the Arthur Ashe Courage award to her wall of accolades after courageously transitioning into a woman in front of the world’s eyes. After marrying reality television star Kris Jenner, Jenner became known as the dad of on the E News hit reality show, Keeping up with the Kardashians. Now, walking proud in his new persona, Jenner is ready to let the world know that, “I am Cait.”
Justice or Else! was the theme of a rally organized by the controversial religious leader Louis Farrakhan at the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March. Thousands marched to the National Mall in D.C., from as early as 4 a.m., just to witness civil leaders call for an end to the outrage of police attacks on African$PHULFDQV 8QOLNH WKH ͆UVW march in 1995, the overall message seemed to target the black community, not just black men. Ensuring no one missed a beat, a live webcast was broadcasted on the www.justiceorelse. com for those who couldn’t attend. Activist DQG DWWHQGHHV ͇RRGLQJ timelines with the trending KDVKWDJ 0LOOLRQ0DQ0DUFK DQG -XVWLFH2U(OVH
Most recently is the devastating travesty of terrorism happening in France, on Nov. 13, where there were multiple suicidebombing in Paris leading to more than 130 deaths. U.S. President Obama has said that he is “open to cooperating with Russia in the campaign against the Islamic State, which has asserted responsibility for the deadly attacks on Paris,” according to The New York Times. Social media has played a vital role in the release of information and updates about the attacks, and support for France, as Facebook is allowing people to change their SUR͆OH SLFWXUHV WR WKH IUHQFK ͇DJ 3UD\)RU)UDQFH
CLO SIN G CURTAINS:
ARTS PROGRAMS Words By: Marissa Weaver Designed By: Braxton White
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t wasn’t real until I was in the wings waiting for my entrance. Although I had been dancing since I was 3-yearsold, this was a completely different experience. It was my high school senior showcase and I could feel the presence of the audience and the energy that they were giving me through the curtain. My body trembled with nerves built up over my four years leading to this moment. I let the music engulf my senses, from my head, through my arms, and into my feet. I let myself enter on to the stage, forgetting everything except for the movement. It was just me and the stage. Nothing else mattered. MANY YOUNG ARTISTS DREAM OF GETTING TO THIS POINT IN THEIR LIVES, THEY DEDICATE BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS TO PERFECTING THEIR CRAFT. SADLY, THERE ARE ART PROGRAMS THAT HAVE BEEN DICED INTO SHREDS BY THE SHARP EDGES OF WHAT PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS REFER TO AS BUDGET CUTS. Art programs are important in everyone’s life no matter what age they are. Art programs help build character, self-esteem and allow people to make connections. They are an outlet for youth to express themselves and that is why arts programs across the country should and continue to be funded. Chicago, Ill. is one of the places where over the years public schools have seen immense cuts in their
art programs budgets. Chicago Public Schools have in the past redirected that funding towards STEM related subjects and programs. Although those subjects are very important and help us to compete as a country, arts programs are significant in their own right. “Nationwide this is a problem,” said Sarah Ford, Chicago High School for the Arts, ChiArts, Dance Department Head. “It has often been said that when the budget gets tight, arts is the first thing to go. That’s a challenge we face as a nation because there is a lot of data out there about the qualities that’ll be needed most in the workplace for the future generations is creativity,” Ford continued. ChiArts, being my alma mater and the first public performing arts high school in Chicago, is helping to unleash those creative minds that will help to generate and improve the workplace as time goes on. “[The arts] is not something that is generally tested and therefore doesn’t have a number attached to it,” Ford said. “People like to say these are our numbers and this is how smart our kids are.” More recently, Chicago has started to add arts into the school curriculum again and they are starting to truly recognize its significance in public schools, ChiArts has helped to mobilize that. Although Chicago is starting to get on board, other cities across the nation are still struggling. In the past year, there have been cuts for art
programs in the Tallahassee community. Places such as the Tallahassee Museum and and the Council on Culture and Arts, have and will receive less funding for the arts due to slashed grants from lawmakers. Although these are not programs in public schools, these are other outlets in the community that students could utilize. “I THINK THERE IS SOME CULTURAL BELIEF THAT [THE ARTS] IS NOT ECONOMICALLY PRODUCTIVE AND PEOPLE THAT PARTICIPATE IN THESE FIELDS. WE HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE DOING THAT,” ...said John Warford associate professor for the Department of History and Political Science at Florida A&M University. “It’s a particular focus on science, mathematics and technology. I think it’s economic and as a cultural impact, because people have always believed that you can get music and art and appreciation from it from outside sources; or the school is not responsible to introduce people to that,” Warford added. How can students get arts from outside sources if the arts funding is getting cut in both directions? When children experience art programs in high school, it is likely that they will want to continue in college. This is true for Joseph Lay, a sophomore business administration student from Atlanta, Ga. His love for music also led him to receive a band scholarship. “I was in the high school marching band, the section leader,” Lay said. “I’m a musician at heart. I can feel the music. You can feel when everything is in tune.”Art programs, such as Lay, and his music, provide skills that can be taken from high school and brought to college. “It works out the creative side of your brain. It makes your hearing better, and it helps you to notice patterns,” Lay said. BEING A PART OF AN ART PROGRAM IS CLEARLY MORE THAN JUST A HOBBY, IT TEACHES SKILLS THAT CONTINUE TO BE USED FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. THE ARTS, NO MATTER WHAT KIND, TEACH CHILDREN A HOST OF SKILLS. It teaches discipline, time management and confidence. It also allows students to express themselves creatively. The arts help kids socially and psychologically. The arts are important because it helps to create well-rounded individuals. I had a wonderful experience in the arts that I feel others should have. So as I danced on that stage and poured my heart out in movement, I took a deep breath and felt the person that I was to become.