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The DAC’s Visual Arts Director Beth Cherico organized the panel with the Royle PTO chairs Shannon Silsby and Shelly Skoglund, with the cooperation of the principal Keith Margolus. Topics included art education and how the arts and creative activities can enhance every child's life.
Besides Cherico, other contributing panel members included Claire Moore, Head of Children's Services at the Darien Library; Martha Rhein, representative from Thriving Youth Asset Team; Jill Morton, art teacher at Royle School; and Justin Davis, fine artist and illustrator.
Some of the benefits of creative activities that the group touched on included having higher self-esteem, doing better academically, gaining increased creativity, intrinsic motivation, and long-term retention, and getting along better with others. Involvement in the arts can be a key way to help children succeed and can present a great alternative to those not participating in sports. The arts can be particularly enriching for students with special needs.
A question-and-answer period followed in which attendees, mostly parents of Royle students were able to discuss their concerns and find out about opportunities for bringing additional art experiences into their children's lives. Suggestions included visiting museums, enrolling in art, dance, music and theatre classes, writing, cooking, decorating and appreciating art in everyday life.
For more information on art classes at the Darien Arts Center (www.darienarts.org) or artistic opportunities for children, contact Beth Cherico at 203 655-8683 or email bethcherico@darienarts.org.
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