Artists in Education

Arts-in-Education is integral to the mission of the Arts Council. Each year, the Arts Council works to foster programs which provide opportunities for local students to interact with professional artists, develop their own creativity and acknowledge the work of students in various art mediums.

Lincoln High School students comprise the technical staff for the PAC. They get to meet a variety of professional artists and artist management while they work.

An international experience comprised the visit of the Jitro Girl's Choir from the Czech Republic. Not only did members of the group visit with local families as they stayed over night, but students had the opportunity to see a free concert on Monday, November 10.

The Mead Witter Foundation funded a rare opportunity for local students to perform with the Minnesota Ballet when they visited Wisconsin Rapids during January 2009. "Coppelia" gave students who have no formal training in dance the opportunity to explore dance movement in short rehearsals leading to a public performance. Up to 70 seasoned and first-time dancers, ages 8 and up, had the chance to work with the professional troupe when they brought "Coppelia" to life on stage. The residency also included up to 12 student lecture workshops and a student performance.

Arrangements were made for four members of the World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra to conduct student workshops with band students during their visit in May, 2009.

The Arts Council, in collaboration with the Central Wisconsin Cultural Center, once again recognized the creative works of Lincoln High School students in the production of Bloodstone, a compilation of prose and visual arts during the annual award ceremony at McMillan Memorial Libray in May.

Up to 70 students, ages 8 and up, develop confidence and teamwork skills during the week-long production of an off-beat Praire Fire Children's Theatre musical at McMillan Memorial Library. This year's production was funded by two grants from the Alliant Energy Foundation and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowmwnt for the Arts. These grants not only enabled a wonderful experience for local student performers, but also enabled us to offer two public performances free of charge. The 2009 summers's production will be "Alladin and His Magic Lamp" and will be held August 1 through August 8.