Arts Education

Understanding the importance of keeping her student artists tethered to their art during the pandemic lockdown, Lynne Barletta, founder and director of the Visionary School of Arts, quickly pivoted and created online classes for her students. She understood how art acts as a stress reliever, a healing agent, and something that makes children happier. In person classes have resumed and Lynne and the school are currently focusing on the Power of Art and Youth Leadership. In April, her students will be participating in the Heroes Show, depicting police, first responders and men and women in the medical field who represent our local heroes. Sponsored by Infinti Stuart, the show will take place April 9-11 at the gallery located at 1724 SE Indian Street. For more information call 772.283.4888. In the fall of 2018, Lynne created a nine-week series for the Boys and Girls Clubs within Martin County. Comprising of 281 video modules, students from second through fifth grade learn painting, drawing and lessons to build a principle of success. “We cover subjects like diversity, acceptance, and achieving your goals,” said Barletta. “We want to foster a can-do attitude through positive affirmation.” To learn more about The Visionary School of Arts or its programs through the Boys and Girls Clubs, visit https://www.visionaryschoolofarts.org/ or email info@ visionary-arts.org. ART: Lynne Barletta

TRY YOUR HAND AT A 15 MINUTE WRITING PROMPT

According to writer and Marties Award recipient Betty Jo Buro, writing helps us make sense of our experiences. As we reflect on living through this pandemic, what moment or scene will always stay with you? Walking through an empty downtown? Scoring hand sanitizer at Walgreens? A memorable Zoom meeting? Taking care of someone who was sick? Set your timer for 15 minutes and try not to let your pen leave the page. You can always edit later. Remember, ordinary moments can become extraordinary when rendered with specific details.

Betty Jo will continue her creative writing courses at the Arts Council beginning this fall. Watch for more details on the Arts Council’s website.

The Education Foundation Offers Covid Relief Grants To Arts Teachers

The Arts Council of Martin County and the Education Foundation of Martin County have partnered up to distribute Covid Relief funds to teachers throughout the county. Launched in February, all Martin County art, drama, and music teachers can apply for funds by filling out a simple online form located at https:// www.educationfoundationmc.org/. “At the beginning of the pandemic, art teachers were overwhelmed and did not know what to ask for,” said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Foundation. “Now they have fully adapted to CDC guidelines and have specific needs to improve hands on, interactive programming.” Anyone in the community can view the requests from teachers by visiting the website and clicking on the Fund-a-Project tab. Community dollars toward these projects will stretch the $5,000 grant money. The Education Foundation will accept applications on a rolling basis and distribute the funds until the grant is depleted.

2021 | Spring | Summer | Martin Arts | 9 ARTS EDUCATION