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Helping Create the Change to Invest in the Arts

April 8, 2025 By Cindy Sherwood

“What do you like best about the ACT OUT theater residency?”

  • “I like acting on the stage.” Sariyah, Cradock Middle School
  • “I like the teamwork part and just coming together.” Nyla, Cradock Middle School
  • “I like coming up with a storyline/idea/concept.” Lyla, Cradock Middle School
  • “I like the scripts.” NaYomi, Cradock Middle School
  • “I got to have fun and I got to create a lot of different things.” Sania, Waters Middle School

A big round of applause for the students, artists, and educators who made our pilot theater program, ACT OUT, a success. Students performed last Friday in the Portsmouth Arts Festival Theater Showcase, demonstrating what they’d learned about acting and much more to family and friends in the audience.

In addition to the benefits to the individual students who participated, we’re thrilled that ACT OUT has jump started Portsmouth Public Schools’ plans to expand its theater program. With strong enrollment in our spring residencies at Cradock, Waters, and Churchland Middle Schools, we’ve shown the interest is there. According to Joe Harmon, Coordinator of Secondary Performing Arts, PPS is hoping to offer theater classes at all three of its high schools in the future, beyond the single one now at Churchland High School.

Teaching artist Dai Poole worked with both staff and students at Churchland and Cradock Middle Schools, where he says there’s a shared belief in the “transformative power of the arts within a well-rounded education.”

Through theater, students gain invaluable skills—teamwork, public speaking, problem-solving, memory retention, and more—that serve them both on and off the stage. Sharing my firsthand experience as a working professional helped make the dream feel tangible, and that, to me, makes it all worthwhile. I strive to be the kind of inspiration I once needed at their age.” 


 

During the twice-weekly, six-week residency, students learned introductory concepts of theater arts, including character development, improv, and stage awareness, while exploring personal strengths and creative expression.

Demonstrating what they’d learned, Waters Middle School students presented “Tales from the Enchanted Forest” at the showcase, guided by teaching artist Katherine Willet.

They designed their own costumes and then built them. Watching them come up with ideas for what they wanted to do and seeing those ideas come to life is amazing.”

Cradock students presented “Middle School Challenges” at the showcase. Teaching artist April Uhrin says students did a great job rehearsing, taking direction, and offering insight and ideas after she demonstrated different aspects of theatrical styles and storytelling during one session. And she was pleased with the growth she saw in students who participated throughout the residency.

Towards the end of our sessions, I could see the difference in their confidence along with comfort level on stage.”

“What do you like best about the ACT OUT theater residency?” 

“Everything.” John, Waters Middle School

Filed Under: ArtsEd, Program Spotlight, Residency Tagged With: 757 arts, 757 nonprofit, Arts Ed, arts education, Arts for Learning, Arts for Learning Virginia, arts integration, arts-in-education, Portsmouth Public Schools, residency, teaching artists, theater, theater arts

Remembering Jean Shackelford: An Exceptional Arts Advocate and Friend of Young Audiences of Virginia

February 3, 2025 By Cindy Sherwood

“Among her greatest joys was her 33 years of involvement with Young Audiences of Virginia! She served on the Board of Directors for numerous years and as President. She loved Young Audiences’ creative offerings annually to involve children in the arts.”  Obituary for Jean Hogge Shackelford

Arts for Learning mourns the loss while celebrating the remarkable life of Jean Shackelford, who died last month at the age of 95. Jean made a lasting contribution to arts education in Hampton Roads and Virginia as a whole.

“She had such a huge impact on arts education in Virginia. I think others have tried to fill her shoes, but I don’t think we’ve ever had such a strong advocate as Jean,” said Beth Hazelette, immediate past president of the A4L board of directors. “Her passion and her drive were to provide quality arts education programming for all students.”

Jean was a teacher and administrator in Portsmouth Public Schools for decades, and, as Beth put it, “built the program” as the supervisor of music for PPS. Beth, who served as supervisor of music for Norfolk Public Schools, considered Jean a mentor. They first met when Beth was a high school choral student and continued the relationship for decades as Beth became a teacher and later an administrator and board member for Young Audiences, where they worked side by side.

“She worked really, really hard for the students and educators of Portsmouth,” Beth said. “She was so tough, but for a good reason. She worked tirelessly to promote a program that could have easily gone by the wayside. She was a bulldog. She wouldn’t let it die. She wanted to make sure all the students in Portsmouth had opportunities in music.”

Longtime board member Minette Cooper first worked with Jean in 1975, developing and implementing programs that put teaching artists in the classroom to guide students in music, poetry, and dance. Minette credits Jean with smoothing the way to integrate the arts into the schools.

“She was a remarkable lady who accomplished so much because she could persuade people to help when probably no one else could,” Minette said. “She was a doer, a really well-informed doer who could get things done as easily as possible. She was phenomenal.”

Minette Cooper, Jean Shackelford, Judy Thaler, Susan Einhorn, and Marty Einhorn celebrate the 65th anniversary of Young Audiences of Virginia/Arts for Learning in 2019.

In addition to her work in Portsmouth, Jean was a powerful voice for arts education at the state level. She received Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Service awards for 20 years of leadership as a member of the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA). And after she retired from Portsmouth Public Schools in 1989, her efforts continued—she served for 11 years as the legislative liaison in the General Assembly, working to establish the Virginia Coalition for Fine Arts Education that advocates for the arts across the Commonwealth. She acted as a vital communications link to VMEA about all legislation that might affect the arts.

“She had this passion not just for Portsmouth and Portsmouth school students but for music students across the state. She made sure that someone was keeping an eye on what was happening in Richmond because there were a lot of decisions being made that in the end did impact the arts,” Beth said.  Those decisions included the initial years of implementing high-stakes testing in Virginia. Beth says Jean was on the “ground floor” as Virginia created grade-specific Standards of Learning (SOLs), making sure the arts weren’t ignored amid the push to emphasize core academic subjects.

After her retirement, Jean also joined the board of directors of Young Audiences, serving multiple terms as president. As a recipient of Young Audiences’ Arts-in-Education Advocacy award, Jean was lauded for her leadership, insight, and vision. The proclamation states:

“Particularly of note is her guidance in helping us understand and utilize the Standards of Learning as a vehicle to better serve Virginia schools.”

Among other contributions as a board member, Jean helped secure new grant funding for various projects and was instrumental in helping to develop the current mission statement of “engaging and inspiring” students in and through the arts.

 “She lived her passion for arts education, she really did,” Beth said. “She led a very purpose-driven life.”

For more on Jean’s lasting contributions to arts education as well as other aspects of her life—such as eight years as an elected member of the Portsmouth City Council—please read this: Jean Hogge Obituary. We wish her family members peace in this time of mourning and express our gratitude for all Jean achieved for the students, educators, and artists of Virginia.

If you’d like to make a memorial contribution to Arts for Learning in honor of Jean, please click on this link: Donate Now

Filed Under: ArtsEd, News, Volunteer Spotlight Tagged With: arts advocate, Arts Ed, arts education, Arts for Learning, Arts for Learning Virginia, arts integration, arts-in-education, board of directors, Jean Shackelford, music education, Norfolk Public Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, teaching artists, Young Audiences, Young Audiences of Virginia

In Their Own Words: 5th Graders Talk Lessons Learned from the Community Creators in STEAM Residency

December 19, 2023 By Cindy Sherwood

At the conclusion of the Community Creators in STEAM residency in Newport News, we talked with students about their experiences. Words that came up repeatedly were “teamwork,” “friends,” “fun,” and “help.”

Mutaz: “I learned that I can do stuff that I thought I couldn’t do. I learned that I should never give up or think that I can’t do something because I still can do it.”

Aniyla: “We worked really hard on our projects, and so I’m really proud of our group and of myself.”

Andy: “I learned if you work together, it’s better because you can get more trust and people will respect you and you get new friends. And if you do stuff together it’s faster and you can make it better and you can have a fun time while doing it.”

Arabella: “We worked together and had so much fun in the process. I think I learned more about the artistic process. You have to start with getting your plan and drawing it out… you can make a small one and then all come together and build a big one like we did here.” 

Naomi: “I learned how we can help people and how we can support our city.”

Joshua: “I learned to always keep going, even when things are going badly. Because we had little mistakes, but we got it to work.”

Aisha Noel, Arts for Learning’s Programs and Community Engagement Manager, spoke eloquently at the reception of the hard work and thought students put into the Community Creators in STEAM residency:

“The fifth-grade students at McIntosh Elementary School along with residency steward and teaching artists have spent the last nine weeks using the artistic and engineering design process to address a social issue in their community.

The students chose to focus on the issue of homelessness and build a respite for those facing housing insecurity. The items built represent what makes a house a home and what can provide people with dignity. And the students even felt that the unhoused deserve nothing less than luxurious items such as a grill, sofa, plush bed, and yes, a garden tub. These items meant that the unhoused had a respite no matter the cost. Tangible items didn’t come with a cost value but a comfort value. These basic and luxurious necessities mattered to the students. It mattered that those facing housing insecurity had a place to not only take a hot bath but also have a hot meal.

It was also important to the students that art was displayed around the house to give a sense of comfort and ownership. Throughout this project the students made intentional design choices from the color of the walls to the design layout. They wanted those facing this insecurity to feel welcomed.

Throughout this project the students were supported by the dedicated staff at Arts for Learning and dynamic speakers from Newport News Shipbuilding and the founder of Ezer Initiative. Most importantly the students were supported by their school community. It has truly been a privilege to partner with McIntosh Elementary School. The school community embraced this project as a whole. Every visit was met with admiration from staff on the student’s artwork.”

Fifth-grader Joshua says he’s now interested in becoming a shipbuilder when he grows up. And he had a profound message about his experience:

I learned you could build art out of anything.”

Enjoy this slideshow of highlights from the reception and more from the Community Creators in STEAM residency:

  • The students of the Community Creators in STEAM residency. McIntosh Elementary principal Camisha Davis is on the far right.
  • A4L's Aisha Noel, NNPS's Dr. LaQuiche Parrott, and Newport News Shipbuilding's Bea Ballard.
  • Fifth-grader Emily talks about the project at the reception.
  • Arts for Learning CEO Chris Everly speaking with Dr. LaQuiche Parrott, Director of Elementary School Leadership for NNPS.
  • The home for the unhoused that students made.
  • Teaching artist James Cooper with students.
  • Teaching artist James Cooper with students.
  • Residency steward Tiffany Murchison with students.
  • Arts for Learning's board president, Dr. Michael Geller, sitting on the sofa created by students with NNPS's Juli Street.
  • Residency steward Tiffany Murchison with students building the final design.

Thanks to the adults who guided the students: teaching artists James Cooper and Asiko-oluwa Aderin; emerging teaching artist Brandy Lee; and McIntosh residency steward Tiffany Murchison.

Arts for Learning thanks Huntington Ingalls/Newport News Shipbuilding  for underwriting this residency, which was provided at no cost to students and their families. Additional community support was provided by Newport News Public Schools Fine Arts and STEM supervisors  and the Newport News Arts Commission. 

Filed Under: Art Exhibit, ArtsEd, News, Program Spotlight, Residency Tagged With: 3D art, 757 arts, 757 nonprofit, Arts Ed, arts education, Arts for Learning, Arts for Learning Virginia, arts integration, arts-in-education, homelessness, Newport News Public Schools, Newport News Shipbuilders, residency

Story Hour with Mark Twain: Free, Family – Friendly Entertainment at the Z

November 7, 2023 By Cindy Sherwood

“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.”
Mark Twain

Mark Twain lives, at least for an afternoon in Virginia Beach this November. Kicking off a new Family Time Performance series at the Zeiders American Dream Theater, Arts for Learning’s Ryan Clemens will perform as his famous relative, Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain.

Clemens will present Story Hour with Mark Twain on Saturday, November 18 at 2 p.m. at the Z, located at 4509 Commerce Street in Virginia Beach.

Tickets are free at this link:
Story Hour with Mark Twain

“The Z is such a terrific place for performers like myself to offer our special gifts,” says Ryan Clemens. “I’ve been performing as Mark Twain for decades, and I’m excited to bring him to meet the good folks at Virginia Beach’s own Zeiders American Dream Theater. It’s Mark Twain as you would have met him when he came to visit our area in 1907. He’s full of tall tales, jokes, maybe a ghost story or two, and lots of playful audience banter. Whether you’re 10 years old or 110, you’re sure to enjoy an hour with my jovial, old cousin.”

Story Hour with Mark Twain is part of the Family Time Series, a partnership between Arts for Learning and the Z to provide entertaining, family-oriented programming. Future performances include Orisirisi African Folklore and Roberta Lea in February and storyteller Sarah Osburn Brady in April. Programs will be presented by Arts for Learning’s roster of professional artists who use their art forms to educate and engage audiences while actively exploring artistic traditions and cultures from around the world.

“Our artists are excited for the partnership with Zeiders American Dream Theater,” says Drew Lusher, Arts for Learning’s Artist programming Manager. “In addition to being a modern and inviting performance venue, Zeiders is an energetic organization with a mission that parallels ours. We appreciate the opportunity to pair our performing artists with their beautiful space to further engage the community and inspire creative growth.”

Arts for Learning thanks the Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission, Helen G. Gifford Foundation, Virginia Commission for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Arts for underwriting A4L’s Family Time Series at the Z.

Filed Under: Artist Spotlight, Arts Integration, ArtsEd, News, Program Spotlight, Public Performance Tagged With: 757 arts, 757 nonprofit, Arts Ed, Arts for Learning, arts integration, arts-in-education, Mark Twain, nonprofit, public performance, Ryan Clemens, storytelling, The Z, theater, theater 757 arts, Zeiders American Dream Theater

“Snacks” Bring Smiles

June 12, 2021 By Cindy Sherwood

Everybody loves snacks…and our Arts + Learning Snacks are no exception. Look at the big smiles on these kids’ faces as they received their free art activity kits. We handed out 250 snack kits to children who attended the “One City Wake Up and Read Summer Kick-Off” this month in Newport News. And word has it that at Virginia Beach Public Libraries, they’re flying off the shelves  because “everybody loves them.”  

Who wouldn’t love an engaging, hands-on art activity?

Seven-year-old Everly can’t wait to dig into this delicious art snack!

Find out more about our Learning Snacks by clicking here!

Filed Under: ArtsEd, News Tagged With: 757 arts, art activity kits, art enrichment, arts integration, comics, mini-comic, Newport News Public Schools, Root Beer Comics, Virginia Beach Public Libraries

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Main Office
Arts for Learning
420 North Center Drive
Suite 239
Norfolk, Virginia 23502

Phone: 757-466-7555

Main Office

Arts for Learning
420 North Center Drive
Suite 239
Norfolk, Virginia 23502
Phone:
757-466-7555

IDEAL 2025: Identity, Collaboration, & Community

“I feel like I grew a lot in my artistic skills and socialization skills, as a person in general. It’s really helped me express how I feel.” Sophia Sharp, Bayside Sixth Grade Campus, Virginia Beach “I learned that I can express my feelings through my artwork. That’s what I’m most proud of. Now I’m able […]

Join the A4L Mailing List!

Sign up to receive the latest news on arts integration from Arts for Learning! Thank you for supporting arts-in-education.

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At Arts for Learning Virginia, we’re proud to be part of the Virginia Commission for the Arts’ Passport Program. While Passport holders typically receive free admission and 50% off classes at participating organizations, all our programming is always free—no discount needed. To learn more about our public events, check out our calendar of events page here.

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