#artsmatter day, October 23rd 2015

Why do the arts matter? They're not featured on any standardized tests after all…

Well to many Murkland students, the arts matter. A lot.

On Friday, October 23rd, Murkland students shared why the arts matter to them. This project was inspired by MASSCreative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth art programs in Massachusetts. Arts Matter day was designed to highlight creative programs in motion and their relevance in young lives around the state.

Check out the link for more info http://www.mass-creative.org/artsmatterday2015

Scroll down to see Murkland students' amazing answers.

"Arts Matter to me because we can build a lot of things"

"…without art we won't have school, furniture, and that matters too!"

"….because I like to draw and have fun!"

"….because without art there is no color."

"…the world looks beautiful. I love Art because that is my life."

"…art and music help show my feelings."

"….the world without art would be EHHHH!"

"…when I grow up I want to be an art teacher."

"…it's fun and you got to be creative."

"…the earth won't be fun without paint."

"…we won't have clothes in this world or schools."

"…without art in the earth it's just EH."

"..art is fun and without it we can't paint colors."

I know art isn't everyone's favorite subject, but I firmly believe that expression, no matter it's form, is a key factor in emotional development and a meaningful school experience. My belief was reinforced by my endlessly inspiring students on Arts Matter Day. Thank you Murklanders!

Hands Down! Murkland students lend a hand to North Common Garden

Murkland kids were anxiously counting down the days until summer vacation when suddenly, an awesome art making opportunity grew out of no where! Actually, it was planted by Mill City Grows; a local non profit organization that plants urban gardens, plans accessible festivals for urban neighborhoods and educates the public in eating healthy.

Murkland students were happy to discover that Mill City was planting a new garden right in our backyard! The North Common Garden is gorgeous and had a successful summer growing delicious leafy goods.

We were lucky to lend a hand in the process. We printed our handprints to create leaf-like texture on the beautiful wooden signs below. Thank you to "Brick Bottom" artist Dan Rocha for making it happen!

Mr. Rocha designed, shaped and primed the signs before he came to visit us at the Murkland. Then he showed us what to do and we got to it.

Thank Mr. Rocha! We had a great time adding handprints and learning about artists in the real world. We even made a mini version of the garden to decorate the garden in front of our school.

Check out Mill City's website for more information about urban gardens http://www.millcitygrows.org

And check out Dan Rocha's website to see more of his artwork.

http://brickbottomartists.com/artist/163