The 2015 ArtBridges Summer Workshop sponsored by the Johnson Center for the Arts in Troy continued into the fall with in-school visits to several schools in the area Monday and Tuesday.

ArtBridges teacher and Birmingham artist, Darrell Ezekiel, and Tara Santorius, Alabama Alliance for the Arts Education and ArtBridges program director, taught art classes that were an extension of the summer workshop at Pike County High School, Troy Elementary School, Pike Liberal Arts Schools and Zion Chapel.

The in-school visits were at the request of teachers who attended the summer ArtBridges workshop.

Troy City Council Member DeJerilyn Henderson was present at the second and third grade art classes at Troy Elementary School Tuesday morning.

“I thought it was important to be there because the City of Troy contributes financially to the Johnson Center for the Arts and I wanted to see what they are doing for our students,” Henderson said. “I was very impressed. What they are doing in the area of the arts impacts the lives of our students.”

Henderson said she was impressed by the enthusiasm of the students and the quality of the instruction and the end products.

“Art is important element of education,” she said.

“It can be incorporated into all subject areas – math, English, science, history. And, what’s so wonderful is that the students are not tested. They are free to express themselves without having to worry about being assigned a grade.

“While the students were creating their artwork, they were talking – actually communicating with each other and the teachers, openly and freely. That is rather rare in the classroom. What a wonderful way to learn and what a wonderful thing to be a part of.”

Henderson said there is much to be said about a learning experience in which there is no right or wrong way.

“In an learning environment like that, any disabilities will disappear and every child will succeed,” she said. “I am proud that the City of Troy continues to support the arts because the arts impact lives in a positive way. I think we should do even more. And I hope our citizens realize the value of the arts in education and in the community and seek more exposure to the arts here in Troy.”