Dear PTA Members,
The Texas PTA has worked with the Texas Commission on the Arts for quite some time to support our common goal of promoting education in the fine arts. Both organizations recognize that arts education is a major contributor to literacy and can be used to strengthen all basic learning skills. About a year ago, Texas PTA was approached by the Texas Cultural Trust Council with a wonderful idea. The Texas Cultural Trust Council is a group charged by the Texas Legislature to help the Texas Commission on the Arts fund arts education and arts opportunities. They had begun creating a book (with funding from SBC Foundation) to teach children about the visual arts. They wanted us to partner with them so we could bring this book to families all across the state.
The book that was developed, Adventures In The A.R.T.S., is really exciting! In addition to the book, a CD-ROM and Web site were created to take children on a magical art adventure while teaching basic fundamentals of color, shape and line. This interactive book/CD combination allows kids to go back and forth – first reading from the book, then participating in artistic activities similar to those in the adventure. I was completely caught up in the story when I read the book to some friends’ children and they loved the activities!
This program is targeted at children in grades 1-5 and covers all Visual Arts TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) requirements from 2nd through 5th grades, so it is a great enhancement to lessons your child may receive in the classroom. It can also be a wonderful tool for parent-led arts education.
As they say on TV – “But wait – There’s more!” For every book sold, your PTA will earn 50 percent of the net profits. What a wonderful chance to fund the Arts in Education programs at your school!
And don’t forget the contest! The school that sells the most books in Texas gets to meet the authors and help create the next Adventure. In each Texas PTA Region, the school that sells the most books will win three free books for their library.
This is really the simplest sales program I’ve ever seen. Parents, friends or family members can go to www.adventuresinthearts.com to order the book and CD. Simply enter your school’s name when you check out so your school will get the credit. One of the best parts of this program is that the books are shipped directly to the buyer! You don’t even have to invent the fliers! At the Web site, www.adventuresinthearts.com, there is a button (PTA Members Click Here) to request sales materials and information. Still have questions? E-mail customer service@ adventuresinthearts.com. If you don’t have access to the Internet, write to this address to request the materials:
Adventures in the A.R.T.S.
10061 Riverside Dr. Suite 901
Toluca Lake, CA 91602
Here is a direct link to the flier so you can print it out and copy it today, if you wish: www.txpta.org/arts_in_ed.pdf.
Adventures In The A.R.T.S. would help your young artist start the new year off right. So what are you waiting for? Support the ARTS! Support your school!
Sincerely,
Larriann Curtis
Arts in Education Chairman
Texas PTA
P.S. Still have questions? Email customerservice@adventuresinthearts.com
