Math and science are the big talking and testing points in education these days. But human resource experts believe that to truly succeed in the global economy, tomorrow's workers may benefit most from studying and participating in the arts.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, teamwork, creativity and innovation, professionalism and mathematics are key components of the arts -- and are considered vital to competing in the global marketplace. But nationally, only 20 percent of employers said their employees possess these competencies, according to a 2005 Society for Human Resource Management study, "The Future of the Labor Force.".
~Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette (2/7/07) |
The Visual Arts program is for students considering a career in the arts, students considering further art education in college, and students who may simply find an extended art program personally fulfilling. The program features unique opportunities at a level not available in other high schools. NEM art students will complete a minimum of 6.5 credits in art including 'Art Survey' and 'Drawing & Painting'.
Special Activities
NEM Juniors and Seniors have the unique opportunity to take Art classes through City Arts, which includes glass blowing, silversmithing and fiber arts. Upperclassmen can also enroll in college level art courses at WSU. NEM students also have the opportunity to exhibit their work on a regular basis: Wichita Center for the Arts, Friends University, Bank of America, Arts Partners, City Arts, and many local galleries.
Success
NEM students produce several awards at the Kansas Scholastic Art Contest. NEM students have been recognized nationally in areas of computer art, painting, ceramics, and digital photography. Students have attended or are attending the Parsons School of Design in New York, the Kansas City Art Institute, Colorado and Rhode Island Institutes of Art. Many students are on scholarship at Wichita State University and other state universities. The NEM art magnet even has the honor of a Gates Millennia Scholar, Yasmin Henderson. A scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that will provided for her full tuition and books thru her doctorate. Yasmin was the first student in Kansas to receive this scholarship.
Partnerships
The Art Department has a host of very active partners including Wichita State University, Friends University, Newman University, City Arts, Urban League, the Wichita Art Museum, Wichita Center for the Arts, the City of Wichita, other colleges and universities, and various practicing artists and art associations. |
