A.R.T.S., Inc. is a non-profit arts/education organization committed to bringing high-quality fine arts programming to elementary aged children throughout the State of Utah.
Kurt Bestor, Honorary Chair of the Board
“Take away music, sculpture, poetry, theater and dance and we are no different than the lowest animal spending our days digging and scratching out an existence comprised of finding food and shelter. Living as an artist has taught me to see the beauty in all things, to yearn for peace and tranquility and to share this knowledge with all I meet. I can’t imagine a world fighting where people sing and dance with each other. No one would starve in lands where hearts have been softened by poetry and prose.“
Kurt Bestor, Honorary Chair of the Board, A.R.T.S., Inc.
kurtbestor.com
What does A.R.T.S., Inc. do?
The organization auditions and schedules professional groups or individuals, who prepare and present a variety of programs to instruct, entertain and motivate children in the fine arts areas. Each presentation consists of two back to back programs from 40 – 45 minutes each and may include preparatory as well as follow-up materials for the classroom. The current programs available include vocal presentations, instrumental groups, storytelling, Theatre and other types of programs.
How can I get a A.R.T.S., Inc. program for my school?
A.R.T.S., Inc. programs can be scheduled by contacting your local Elementary School Principal, District Fine Arts Specialist or by contacting the A.R.T.S., Inc. Office. If an Elementary School is located in Jordan, Salt Lake City, Granite, Murray, Canyons or Davis School Districts, programs are scheduled through their District Fine Arts Specialist at the beginning of each school year. The above listed districts contribute a 20% co-sponsorship fee to provide these programs for each participating school. All other Elementary Schools outside these Districts are invited to schedule a program by calling the A.R.T.S., Inc. Office at 801.328.3883 or go to “Get On Our Schedule” on our Home Page.
How do children benefit from arts?
Children naturally love painting, drawing, making music, dance, mass media and the theater. Unfortunately, when schools and districts cut back on budgets, the arts are usually the first to go. It seems that some schools do not realize fully the importance of the fine arts when building the mind of a child.
Physiologically, the human brain consists of two parts, the left and the right hemisphere. The left brain is used in logical thinking and analytical processes. This is typically what is trained in school work that consists of math, reading and science. The right brain is used in emotional perception, intuition and creativity. It is the right brain that is mainly used when a person is involved in creative endeavors such as making art. It is this part of the brain that typical school environment neglects to train.
It is shown that when gifted children solve problems in their areas of proficiency, there is increased electrical activity in both hemispheres. It appears that for the brain to be efficient, the two hemispheres of the brains must work together. By stimulating and exercising the right hemisphere of the brain, the arts strengthen the connection between the hemispheres. Students must be exposed to the arts as their cognitive skills mature, so that their right brain will be as developed as the left and both hemispheres work in tandem, thus achieving the full potential of the mind.
Aside from the physiological effects, the “New York Center for Arts Education” also lists other benefits of exposing children to the arts:
* Children learn to think creatively, with an open mind.
* Children learn to observe and describe, analyze and interpret.
* Children learn to express feelings, with or without words.
* Children learn to practices problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, dance, music, theater and art-making skills, language and vocabulary of the arts.
* Children discover that there is more than one right answer, multiple points of view.
* School can be fun – playing can be learning.
* Children learn to collaborate with other children and with adults.
* Arts introduce children to cultures from around the world.
* Children blossom and excel in the arts. Even with physical, emotional or learning challenges, they experience success in the arts.
* Arts build confidence. Because there is not just one right way to make art, every child can feel pride in his or her original artistic creations.
* Arts build community. Schools with a variety of differences can celebrate the arts as one community.
