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HomeArts and AcademicsState of the Arts

State of the Arts

Educators have long recognized the value of music, art, drama and writing for students’ creative development and academic success. Yet the arts remain squeezed by tight budgets and test-driven performance standards. This series highlights efforts to protect and promote school arts programs.

Thanks to Ariel, he’s part of that world

East Grand Rapids Beth Heinen Bell
A former student-turned-Disney artist shared his talents and advice with middle school digital art students, and shows it’s about more than following a dream...
00:03:31

A past, present and future tradition

Grand Rapids Brett Atwood
Performing the Victorian-era holiday musical is a 45-year tradition for Blandford School...

Students create portrait of Grand Rapids man killed by police officer

Kentwood Erin Albanese
“Through the Veil” a portrait of Patrick Lyoya, by East Kentwood students, is on display for ArtPrize...

How creativity changes the world

Caledonia Student Showcase School News Network
Pathways of creativity and ingenuity have tempted the larger scope of humanity since its earliest ancestors... (Student Op-Ed by Jenna Waggoner)

‘Freedom’ message by student artist coming to 50 restaurants

Grand Rapids Alexis Stark
Sophomore Kahari King’s mural art is going up in 50 McDonald’s locations as part of a larger project with other students across the state...

Celebrating student masterpieces at Festival

State of the Arts Dianne Carroll Burdick
Nearly 150 students from 28 West Michigan schools displayed their artwork at the Festival of the Arts Youth Art Exhibition...

Celebrating their differences with art

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
A local venue showcases the creativity of Godwin students through a collaborative exhibit with a local cafe’...

Student cartoonist is two-time national award winner

State of the Arts Erin Albanese
East Kentwood senior Abby Haywood blends humor, social commentary and issues affecting youth into her art...
00:00:37

A superior performance

Godwin Heights Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
High school senior Fernando Bresso brings the highest mark in a decade for Godwin’s band program...

‘Wow, I’m a real artist’

Grand Rapids Alexis Stark
After a two-year hiatus, student artwork from 61 schools in Grand Rapids is on display at the 2022 Citywide Art Show...
00:03:22

‘Let’s get together and play some music’

State of the Arts Alexis Stark
Lee and East Grand Rapids high schools performed a community concert as a dedication to Ukrainian refugees...
00:00:25

She’s shaking things up

Grand Rapids Community College Alexis Stark
As the first female director of bands at GRCC, Professor Shannon Shaker seeks to ensure everyone has access to a high-quality music education...

Graphing equations: there is an art to it

Northview Morgan Jarema
Northview High algebra students show off their creative data-plotting, slope-including and equation-evaluating skills...

‘Oh, I can do this!’

Lowell Beth Heinen Bell
Experimenting with different types of drawing techniques gives these Lowell Middle School students confidence in their ability to create...

Young artists’ affirmation: ‘black is powerful’  

Grand Rapids Alexis Stark
A collaboration between WMCAT and Meijer showcases student art and provides an opportunity for connecting with the community...

How can I keep from singing?

Sparta Abigail Ham, SNN intern
At Sparta Middle School and High School, new hire Bob Alonzo is building a thriving vocal music program from the ground up...
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School News Network reports on the 20 public school districts in Kent County, which enroll more than 90,000 students. Founded in 2013, we are an editorially independent news site funded by Kent ISD, local districts and community sponsors, and powered by an experienced team of reporters, editors and photojournalists. We specialize in covering classroom teaching and learning, analyzing the many issues that enhance or discourage student success, and highlighting the education magic that happens each day in our public schools.

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