Seward Joins Frankfort-Schuyler For Youth Art Month

FRANKFORT, 03/06/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) today joined art students at Frankfort-Schuyler Central School to announce that the state senate recently approved a special legislative resolution he sponsored calling on the governor to proclaim March 2015 as Youth Art Month in the State of New York.

“Art education is one of the many ways our students are able to express themselves and excel,” said Senator Seward. “Achievement in art can be linked to success in a number of other subject areas and the creative skills demonstrated are highly valued in business and in life.”

Frankfort-Schuyler art teacher Donnalyn Shuster, who brought Youth Art Month to Senator Seward’s attention, said, “Art programs naturally lend themselves to building skills of collaboration, problem solving, adaptability, creative thinking, resourcefulness, teamwork, communication, and accountability in our students. I am appreciative of the time Senator Seward has dedicated to recognizing the value of art programs on a consistent basis.”

Senate resolution J474 was adopted on February 10, 2015 and reads in part:

WHEREAS, Art education contributes viable education benefits to all elementary and secondary students including: developing students' creative problem-solving and critical abilities; teaching sensitivity to beauty, order, and other expressive qualities; providing students with a stronger understanding of multicultural values and beliefs; and interrelating student learning in art production, art history, art criticism, and aesthetics; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of art in education as being necessary for full development of all children, challenging the intellect while teaching lessons about order, proportion and genius; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim March 2015 as Youth Art Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, and the New York State Art Teachers Association.

“When a student exhibits a passion and a talent it is vital that we nurture and encourage that interest. That is just one of the reasons why I have consistently worked to ensure our schools receive the funding necessary to offer students a wide spectrum of educational opportunities,” Seward concluded.

The resolution has also been adopted by the state assembly where it was sponsored by Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi.

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Photo from left: Colin Bick, Donnalyn Shuster, Senator Seward, Almir Mujkic. Both Colin and Almir will have their art work displayed at the Capitol in Albany later this year.