New from the DPI

Julie Palkowski, Fine Arts and Creativity Education Consultant- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Article for WAEA Spring 2016
Greetings from the DPI
Julie Palkowski, Fine Arts and Creativity Education Consultant- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
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Marching into March…A Journey leading to a Destination
Every March we celebrate both “Youth Art Month” and “Music in Our Schools Month.” Celebrations in Wisconsin for my work at the WI Department of Public Instruction have included visits to school sites, conference presentations, selection of two awesome art pieces for DPI display (see linked pictures), professional development with arts staff at three different locations in WI, support for musicians at the Schools Recognition event, as well as the opportunity to attend a symposium with arts education colleagues in Washington DC. DPI Award Jonas; DPI Award Vue
 
A highlight for the month was accompanying State Superintendent Tony Evers on two school fine arts visits – Bruce Guadalupe Community School and Ronald Reagan IB High School. The linked pages showcase the visits. Students and staff of the two schools provided tours of their school and shared with Dr. Evers about the incredible arts programming available at their sites. Bruce Guadalupe Community School Visit; Ronald Reagan IB HS Visit
 
“Art is not a thing; it is a way.” by Elbert Hubbard – American Novelist, Artist
 
I hope people recognize that this month often shows the products of the arts – the exhibition of work and the performances on the stage. The work itself for our young people involves the process of learning an artistic craft, getting messy with the process, practicing those skills and exercising the knowledge of the art form to create. This intertwining of process and product takes time. We as educators weave the opportunity for students to explore and build their skills and knowledge, layer by layer.
 
In a visit to the Dali museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, I was struck by his work showing his growth over time. Each section highlighted an investigation of different styles, genres, color palettes, images, and forms of expression. Each room of the gallery offered a glimmer into his need to explore. Whatever the motivations, interests, or skill refinements, artists and musicians continue to explore their very core and often experiment artistically. Dali Museum Teacher Resources
 
Thank you for guiding the students of Wisconsin in their artistic journeys and offering them opportunities to explore multiple paths in the arts. It is my honor to help you in your work. As always, keep me posted on your fine arts instructional needs and feel free to share your arts education stories. Consider being a part of an online network to connect with other arts educators. 
 
Where may I connect directly with Wisconsin Music Educators? 
Join WI DPI Art Educators, a Google community. As of the printing of this article, there are 37 members within this new networking group. The group is meant to foster the sharing of art educational ideas, ask questions, and offer encouragement to support each other in the work to building arts skills and knowledge with our students. To join, start by setting up a free Gmail account, and then search within Google+ for Google Communities tab for Wisconsin Music Educators.  

WI DPI Arts google community