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State of the Arts

Educators have long recognized the value of music, art, drama and writing for students’ creative development and academic success. This series highlights the many enriching ways students are experiencing the arts.

Arts Council elimination could negatively impact schools

All Districts Morgan Jarema

The Michigan House has voted to approve a state budget that would eliminate the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. That has the potential to cut arts programs in schools across the state.

Pieces of Godwin’s story come together as one puzzle

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

A district-wide art project highlights each student’s individuality while illustrating how they all fit together.

Kelloggsville band ready to ‘soar’ on national stage

Kelloggsville Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

The band is the only one from Michigan that will be participating in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C.

Helping students see what’s possible through arts careers

Kent ISD Riley Kelley

From comics and graphic design to video game production, art educators talked about the various career opportunities their skilled students have before them.

Sixth-grader draws attention with art skills

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

Weston Minnema earned a Yes I Can! Award for art from the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children.

Future songwriters, audio engineers learning to create in production lab

Northview Brett Atwood

In Northview High School’s Music Production class, students learn the ins and outs of audio production, using state-of-the-art gear.

Creating art ‘in a way that works for them’

Grandville Beth Heinen Bell

Adaptive tools are making a big difference for elementary students in this teacher’s ASD art class.

First taste of theater begins with tea, treats & tiaras

Kentwood Erin Albanese

Kentwood Public Schools sent families an invitation to an elegant high tea event before welcoming many to their children’s first musical.

Theater company, choirs to revisit the past & imagine the future

Wyoming Erin Albanese

To show off their renovated auditorium, Wyoming Public Schools thespians and choral singers are joining forces in a collaboration and walk down memory lane.

Actors reflect on history’s lessons, speaking out

Byron Center Alexis Stark

Byron Center High School’s theater club brings "Newsies" to the Van Singel Fine Arts Center stage, empowered by the show’s message of empowering youth to speak out against injustice.

Student artists commemorate founding of the US

Lowell Erin Albanese

What is freedom? Students express their thoughts through art.

Lowell grad who has autism pens folly-filled comedic play

Lowell Erin Albanese

Lowell High School graduate Vaughn Outman has written his first play, a folly-filled comedy about actors performing a play.

Learning to love language and cultures through song

Northview Beth Heinen Bell

Along with music fundamentals, choir students at Crossroads Middle School have been learning the importance of diversity.

Across state lines, art students find a shared rhythm

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

By creating artwork from their favorite songs, high-schoolers from Michigan and Louisiana discovered how art can bridge distances and reveal personal stories.