ARTsmart New Mexico’s mission is to ensure access to quality visual arts education for all youth in Santa Fe’s public schools and surrounding communities.
Vision:
Creating a better tomorrow by inspiring and transforming young lives through the visual arts.
Beliefs:
· Advocacy - Quality visual arts education enhances students’ confidence, self-discovery, and creative problem-solving skills.
· Community - All children living in northern New Mexico should have access to and understanding of our region’s vibrant visual arts communities, traditions, and economies.
· Cultural Literacy - Quality visual arts education has the power to transform differences into common bonds and reinforce cultural pride and connection.
Visiting Artist Program
ARTsmart’s Visiting Artist Program extends the benefits of art education by bringing arts professionals into the classroom. The artists’ disposition - their habits of mind and passion for making art - is a powerful educational ingredient. When artists bring it into the classroom, where anything like it is often short in supply, they can engage and motivate students making their learning exciting and more meaningful.
Honorary Artist Residency
Every year ARTsmart teams up with an artist who is distinguished not only in New Mexico but also throughout the world. As part of their mission, the Honorary Artist works with Santa Fe’s high school students to create, exchange ideas, mentor, and inspire youth. Student artworks created during the residency are sold, with all proceeds going back to students and their school’s art program.
“ARTsmart helped me become a better student and artist because I didn’t like sharing my work with others. ARTsmart helped me to share and not give up.”
- Jazmine, Student, Abiquiu Elementary
Impact:
“I consider working with visiting artists an integral part of my professional development and program. ARTsmart makes it possible for us to lead in Santa Fe with innovation and support, with artists at the ready who can fill gaps, enhance and share professional knowledge. Working with artists in the classroom is inspirational!”
- Roni Rohr, Art Teacher, El Dorado Community School