I couldn’t be more disheartened by the inaction of our City Council at the Oct. 3 meeting regarding the Arts Master Plan and Ordinance. Early on, Councilmembers Jack Boyson and Etta Watterfield were clearly prepared to pronounce the Art Plan DOA with Councilwoman Watterfield at one point, among other ludicrous notions, suggesting all the city’s […]
CRAIG SHAFER
Posted inOpinion
Say yes to art!
Let me just state what should be the obvious: Art is a big deal. In fact, it is vitally important. Art is not a frill. For those who agree with that assertion, they will likely find it hard to believe there are some within the city who are working against the beautifying of Santa Maria. […]
Posted inOpinion
Celebrate art in October
Once a year, each October, the nation recognizes Arts and Humanities Month, and the first Saturday of October is when Santa Maria showcases its own artists. Local arts groups and supporters—including, but not limited to: Los Padres Artists Guild, Valley Art Gallery, Orcutt Children’s Arts Fund (OCAF), Discovery Museum, PCPA, Santa Barbara County Arts Commission, […]
Posted inOpinion
Fund art education
Instruction in the arts strengthens problem solving and creative thinking, bridges cultural differences, and improves students’ confidence
I commend Walter Reil for most of his observations in his commentary “STEM the tide” (May 17). It is true, I hear it all the time from educators, that the No Child Left Behind Act in fact really means “most children left behind.” Its principle focus—testing—certainly is a national crime. However, Reil neglects to acknowledge […]