Thank You To Parents!

Parents of Rocky Mount students,

I want to thank you all for your participation and attendance in the First ArtWorks art show. We made more money that I had expected! I have heard some feedback and I am looking forward to more about the art show, the magnet fund-raiser, and what your thoughts and ideas are. I know that as a parent, it is impossible to participate in everything that goes on here. There are a lot of fundraisers and things that cost money.

I come from a family of five girls, so I know. I remember what it was like with all 5 of us in Girl Scouts, dance lessons, track team, glasses, braces, and the list goes on. I do not expect you to financially participate in both of the art fund-raisers. I do greatly appreciate, however, when you can participate by your enthusiasm, passion, and attendance. It means the world to the children.

Some of you might not be aware that I do not receive any money from the school or the county. Many are surprised by this and ask, "How do they expect you to buy paper and pencils? How do you get art supplies for even the most basic projects??" This of course, is where the fund raisers come in. The magnet fund-raiser (Original Works), is the most popular. It also has a variety of small items to choose from for those tight budget times. This one is where I make the significant proportion of funds for my yearly art supplies. Remember that art is a consumable subject. You would be amazed at how quickly my students go through just the basics of pencils, erasers, and paper.

The second fund-raiser that I did last year and this year is with the First ArtWorks company, and is the double matted and framed artwork. This show is one that I chose not because of the money it raises (it does not raise as much as Original Works), but for the professional show aspect of it. I wish each and every one of you could see the expressions on the children's faces when, as we are working on a project, I take one of their artworks and place it in a First ArtWorks frame for them to see how it will look. They are thrilled and amazed at the difference it makes.

This show is very different than a show where I would roll up torn pieces of masking tape and stick their artwork to cinderblock walls in the hallway. It is much like the difference between using a magnet with an random advertisement on it to hang a child's artwork on the refrigerator, and taking an artwork to the frame shop to be professionally matted, framed and hung on the wall of your home. Both are validating to the child, and the latter speaks volumes.

Am I on my soap box? You bet! I wouldn't be much of an art teacher without my passion. I hope my passion can be contagious in a positive way. I hope my words can change perspectives, open new doors to new ideas, inspire new ways of seeing and being. My want would be to have both events spaced well apart, and without the expectation of financial participation in both. I know you do so much.

I am grateful every day that I teach in a community that is so supportive of the arts. Believe me, I know plenty of art teachers who also get no money from their school or the county and their area does not, cannot support fund-raisers. Please know that there is no pressure from me to financially participate in two art fund-raisers just because I might have two fund-raisers. You have my full support in taking good care of your families, knowing when to say yes and when to say no. I am so grateful for each and every one of you!

I want to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Sincerely,

Julia Speer

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