Oklahoma recognizes art as such an important of the learning process that it is part of the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) in the state. Nevertheless, many schools in rural parts of the state have difficulty funding an art program due to budget restraints.
In 1998, Laura Stewart was a part-time art instructor in a rural public school, whose program was in danger of being cut.
Knowing the importance of arts in education, Stewart contacted the Chickasaw Nation with a proposal to help fulfill the art component in area schools. She didn't want rural art students to fall behind their peers at larger schools.
Today, Stewart is director of fine arts for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities
"I feel really blessed that the Chickasaw Nation is making a difference," said Stewart. "We have a division where culture and art are intertwined."
The fine arts department works with school systems by sending art instructors to present art workshops and mini-art festivals to area schools as well as to schools outside the Chickasaw Nation boundaries. The department provides lesson plans and guidelines to participating schools. By doing this, the teachers help prepare their students for a study of the arts.
The fine arts department in many ways has stepped in and helped address the art assessment for schools. During the 2012-2013 school year the department is serving 18 schools.
"The program has increased our student's awareness and appreciation of not only the arts but of the Chickasaw culture," said Dennis Kymes, Byng elementary principal.
While the department brings learning opportunities to the school systems, students also have the opportunity to attend classes in the new Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities building in Ada, Okla.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said that arts are an important part of a well-rounded education.
“Arts education helps encourage creative thinking, develops a sense of accomplishment and helps inspire understanding of different cultures,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “Beyond that, arts education can help develop problem solving skills and improve performance in math and strengthen reading skills.”
More than 55 students participate in the after-school arts program, young artist studio, Chickasaw School of Guitar and Chickasaw Children's Choir. Adults also have the chance to create art though the elders' art workshops, teacher workshops and employee art classes with nearly 25 adults in each class.
Former after-school arts program student Courtney Parchcorn is a bead work artist. Through the program, Courtney was able to enter her bead work into the Red Earth art competition. She has placed first in her division four years and won best in show three years. Parchcorn now sells her bead work at the Chickasaw Cultural Center and has been invited to show her work at the after-school arts program.
“I wouldn't be where I am today as an artist, without arts in education,” said Ms. Parchcorn.
For more information on art in education or about the Chickasaw Nation Division of Arts and Humanities, visit www.Chickasaw.net/AH or contact the division at (580) 272-5520.
