Mission What We Do - Grant Elementary PTA

Mission
To improve the lives of children by bringing arts education to underserved public schools and their communities.
What We Do
P.S. ARTS’ provides students with a high-quality California Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards based
education in visual arts, music, and/or theater that is integrated into the school culture. P.S. ARTS recruits and
trains professional artists to develop curriculum and teach arts classes during the school day in underserved public
schools.
The organization also works to educate and empower classroom teachers through arts-related workshops. P.S. ARTS’
Professional Development program for classroom teachers supports the development of strategies for integrating the
arts into academic curriculum, and increasing access to arts learning and experiences that help children become
more competitive for higher education and professional opportunities.
In addition, P.S. ARTS coordinates with school administrators and parent groups to provide parent education and
community outreach services designed to increase their capacity to advocate for educational equity, and to provide
critical cultural experiences to the entire family.
P.S. ARTS is the only artists-in-residence program in Southern and Central California that provides year-long arts
education in multiple disciplines to every child in a school, integrated into the regular school day.
Board Officers
Maria Bell, President
Pamela Bergman, Chairperson
David Leyrer, Vice Chairperson
Natalya Hudis & Joshua B. Tanzer, Co-Treasurers
Michael Thornton, Secretary
Roger Weaver, Crossroads Representative
Board of Directors
Sharon Blair
Kimberly Brooks
Carleen Cappelletti
Kelly Fisher Katz
Laura Fox
Travis Hansen
Patrick Herning
George Kotsiopoulos
Susie Krevoy
Lisa Kudrow
Leadership Council
Stephanie Addis
Cece Feiler
Stephanie Ejabat
Gale Goldring
Ari & Sarah Emanuel Nora Halpern
Board Emeritus
Paul Cummins, Founder
Laurie David
Steve McCray
Liz Ondaatje
Darcy Pollack
Pamela Posey
Amy Rappeport
Ilene Resnick
Kim Schall
Jennifer Schiff
Rona Sebastian
Julia Sorkin
Robin McMonigle
Brigette Romanek
Candie Weitz
Ari Wiseman
Elizabeth Stewart
Sarah Watson
Christine Weller
Gennifer Yoshimaru
History
Budget cuts in the late 1970s effectively froze property taxes, which were the main source of funding for public
education. School districts across California were forced to cut back and arts education was stripped from most
public school curricula. It took a decade of deterioration before the public began to notice the negative impact that
cutting the arts had on children’s academic and social development. In the Spring of 1991, Paul Cummins, founder of
Crossroads School in Santa Monica, was on his way to the kitchen during a potluck dinner and literally bumped into a
man that he had never met but looked quite familiar – renowned musician Herb Alpert. They began a conversation,
which has become P.S. ARTS folklore… Paul decried the lack of arts education at a local school he had recently
visited. Herb’s response was, “You mean the arts are just gone from these public schools? What if I gave you a
grant?” And thus, P.S. ARTS was founded as an outreach project of the Crossroads Community Foundation. In 2003,
P.S. ARTS received it’s own non-profit 501 (c) 3 designation.
Since the organization’s inception in 1991, P.S. ARTS has grown from serving 285 students in one school to more than
11,000 students in 25 underserved schools across Los Angeles County and California’s Central Valley. For the past
twenty years, P.S. ARTS has successfully instructed tens of thousands of children and supported children’s learning
through the arts in alignment with state arts standards.
Why Support P.S. ARTS?
Despite an abundance of research indicating the positive impact of arts education, thousands of elementary and
middle school students in Los Angeles have little or no meaningful exposure to the arts. With P.S. ARTS, more than
11,000 children have the opportunity to paint, sculpt, sing, dance and perform at least once a week, every week during
the school year. P.S. ARTS programs help to level the educational playing field by teaching creative and cognitive skills
to students struggling to overcome economic, ability or literacy barriers, that will better equip them to be competitive
and successful people.
Teaching Artists
P.S. ARTS currently has 14 full-time and 13 part-time Teaching Artists. P.S. ARTS Teaching Artists are practicing
artists who integrate their art forms, unique perspectives, and professional skills into the classroom. P.S. ARTS
Teaching Artists have a minimum of three years of teaching experience and either a Bachelor or Master of Arts degree
in arts, education, community arts or relevant field of study. They are diverse in background, expertise and ethnicity,
and reflect the cultural backgrounds of the children we serve.
Teaching Artists work collaboratively with the program staff to develop standards-aligned arts instruction that
coordinates with classroom curriculum. All Teaching Artists participate in professional development workshops
throughout the year to strengthen their curriculum and teaching techniques. They are also active in their school
community, attending faculty meetings and school events where they interact with administrators and parents,
advocating for the arts.
Administrative Staff
Dr. Kristen Paglia, Executive Director, Education & Programs, joined P.S. ARTS in 2008 as the Director of Programs
before becoming the Executive Director, Education & Programs in 2010. Kristen holds Masters’ Degrees in World Arts
and Cultures from UCLA and Arts Education from Harvard University as well as a Doctorate Degree focusing on social
development and dance programming from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching in the visual
and performing arts, managing arts programs in urban public and independent schools, and developing arts
curriculum and staff training materials. In addition, Kristen has been a Special Education Teacher and is a working
artist.
Amy Shapiro, Executive Director, Advancement & Operations, joined P.S. ARTS in September of 2001. Prior to
P.S. ARTS, she was a High School Program Manager for Best Buddies of California, a non-profit organization
dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities. During her tenure at P.S. ARTS, Amy has
served as the Development Assistant, Associate Director of Foundation and Government Grants, Director of Special
Events, Director of Communications & Advancement, and currently as Executive Director, Advancement &
Operations. Amy graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. of Science and earned a Master’s Degree in
Public Administration, with an emphasis on Non-Profit Management, from the University of Southern California. Amy
has served on the Board of Directors for the Westside Foodbank since 2008.
The remainder of the administrative team is comprised of eight full-time accomplished professionals.
Students
P.S. ARTS currently provides arts programs to more than 11,000 students in Southern and Central California. P.S.
ARTS believes that all students deserve high-quality arts instruction in a rigorous, sustained curriculum of music,
drama, dance and visual arts. We partner with Title I and other severely socio-economically disadvantaged schools.
Title I schools are classified as schools with at least 40% of the population living at or below the Federal Poverty
Level, which is an annual income of less than $22,500 for a family of four.
How P.S. ARTS Students Identify their Ethnicity
1
71% Hispanic or Latino
11% Black or African American
10% Caucasian
4% Asian
2% Two or More Races
1% Filipino
>1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
>1% American Indian or Alaska Native
>1% None Reported
9% of P.S. ARTS Students have moderate to severe special needs
47% of P.S. ARTS Students are English Language Learners (ELLs)
74% of P.S. ARTS Students are living at or below the Federal Poverty Level
($22,350 for a family of four)
1
Ed-Data. (2011). www.ed-data.k12.ca.us/. Retrieved from http://www.ed-data.k12.ca.us/Navigation/fsTwoPanel.asp?bottom=%2Fprofile%2Easp%3Flevel%3D07%26reportNumber%3D16
P.S. ARTS Core Programs
P.S. ARTS customizes instruction to meet the specific needs of schools and school districts. Current methods
provided in our schools include an approach based on Harvard University’s Studio Thinking model, offering traditional
arts disciplines (Theater, Music, Dance, and/or Visual Arts) that reinforce thinking strategies related to success in the
21st Century, including social asset acquisition, and innovative problem-solving. Each discipline is taught by a
salaried Teaching Artist (a professional artist with classroom experience) for the full school year – upwards of 30
weeks. P.S. ARTS also provides an Integrated Arts Model (I AM), which furnishes every classroom with three Teaching
Artists, each specializing in a different artistic discipline, that rotate during the course of the year. Under one unifying theme and focusing on selected master works, the teams work as a unit, integrating each of their specialties into
a virtually seamless curriculum that covers 33 weeks of arts instruction divided into three 11-week trimesters.
Visual Arts
Painting, drawing, sculpting and installation are just a few of the art forms taught in a P.S. ARTS visual arts class.
Lessons are project-based and teach students to create art, to learn how to evaluate their artistic work, to assess and
critique the work of others, and to explore possible creative artistic careers. Visual art students study the work of
master artists as they learn to paint, draw and sculpt.
Theater Arts
P.S. ARTS theater classes use storytelling to explore the connection between dramatic performance and selfexpression. The program introduces students to stories from cultures around the world. These stories become
catalysts for learning the fundamentals of drama, as well as provide a practical foundation for English language
development. Theater classes include theater games, improvisation, creative movement, journaling and formal
writing. Ultimately students learn to tell their own stories and interpret master works through dramatization, an
exercise that has a tremendous positive effect on their self-perception and confidence.
Music
P.S. ARTS music classes are based on Orff-Schulwerk, a method that incorporates music and movement. Emphasis is
placed on learning music by making music. Children play the metallophone, xylophone, glockenspiel, and other
percussive instruments as well as recorders. The music generated through singing, movement, games and instrumental play is largely improvisational and original, which builds a sense of confidence in children and sparks interest
in the process of creative thinking and discovery.
Our Schools
Los Angeles Unified School District
Baldwin Hills Elementary Music
Beethoven Elementary Music
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy – Burlington Elementary Theater, Visual Arts
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy – Burlington Middle Theater, Visual Arts
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy – Harvard Elementary Theater, Visual Arts
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy – Harvard Middle Theater, Visual Arts
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy – José Castellanos Visual Arts
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy – Sandra Cisneros Theater
Coeur d’Alene Elementary Music, Visual Arts
Grand View Elementary Music, Visual Arts
Playa Del Rey Elementary Music, Theater, Visual Arts
Lawndale Elementary School District
Billy Mitchell Elementary (I AM) Music, Theater, Visual Arts
FDR Elementary (I AM) Music, Theater, Visual Arts
Kit Carson Elementary (I AM) Music, Theater, Visual Arts
Lucille J. Smith Elementary (I AM) Music, Theater, Visual Arts
Mark Twain Elementary (I AM) Music, Theater, Visual Arts
William Anderson Elementary (I AM) Music, Theater, Visual Arts
William Green Elementary (I AM) Music, Theater, Visual Arts
Reef-Sunset Unified School District
Avenal Elementary Visual Arts
Kettleman City Elementary Visual Arts
Reef-Sunset Middle Theater
Tamarack Elementary Visual Arts
Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District
Edison Elementary Theater
John Muir Elementary Visual Arts
McKinley Elementary Visual Arts
Community Outreach
P.S. ARTS coordinates with school administrators and parent groups to provide parent education and community outreach
services designed to increase their capacity to advocate for educational equity and to provide critical cultural experiences
to the entire family. P.S. ARTS, in partnership with our schools, hosts “Family Art Nights,” which feature an evening of
free, hands-on family-themed art projects. These events give families an opportunity to learn more about the value of arts
education, while bonding through creative activities and getting to know each other as artists and collaborators in a safe,
fun environment.
Professional Development for Classroom Teachers
The organization also works to educate and empower classroom teachers through arts-related workshops. P.S. ARTS’
Professional Development program for classroom teachers supports the development of strategies for integrating the arts
into academic curriculum, and increasing access to arts learning and experiences that help children become more
competitive for higher education and professional opportunities.
Summer Camp
P.S. ARTS has coordinated with Reef-Sunset Unified School District in Kings County for the past few years to host Summer
Camp for hundreds of local children. P.S. ARTS coordinated with school administrators to ensure that the program was in
alignment with the school's educational priorities. The Summer Camp features daily visual arts instruction that
reinforces the California K-5 science framework, and rotating theater/dance instruction focusing on cultural dance and
performing arts forms. The Summer Camp program culminates in a student exhibit and/or performance attended by
parents and the RSUSD community.
Partnerships
P.S. ARTS is a critical and highly regarded partner in the California public education reform effort. We have a seat at the
table in numerous government educational policy and advocacy groups, including the Los Angeles County Arts
Commission Arts for All, Arts for LA Los Angeles and Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District Arts Advisory
Committees, Friends of Lawndale Arts, Mar Vista Community Council Arts, LA Philharmonic's Youth Orchestra Los Angeles
Stakeholders Network, Education and Culture Committee, Senator Price's Special Joint Committee on the Arts, and
California Alliance for Arts Education Policy Council. P.S. ARTS was also invited to participate in the NEA Education
Leadership Institute extended committee for California to contribute our feedback to issues around arts curriculum,
assessment, and education reform.
P.S. ARTS Takes Innovative Approach to Sustainable Arts Education
In 2010, P.S. ARTS launched a regional community partnership initiative, TakePART (Public-school Regional Arts Team).
Building on our five-year track record of success implementing school district-wide arts programs in Lawndale California,
P.S. ARTS initiated a coordinated effort between three neighboring school districts to resource share and collectively advocate for arts education.
P.S. ARTS facilitated a 3-5 year strategic planning process in conjunction with Los Angeles California Arts
Commission(LACAC) planning coaches. The goals of the TakePART project include: 1) Realizing a shared regional arts
education philosophy, 2) Repositioning the arts as a core and an essential part of community life in the region, 3) Developing community capital and assets to sustain regional arts programming, and 4) Conducting ongoing professional development, community engagement and reflective practice. In the coming months, TakePART stakeholders will develop specific
action steps and delegate responsibility for implementation.
The first major program of the TakePART project is a partnership between P.S. ARTS and The Harmony Project to provide
hundreds of students with music programs during and after school. In addition, a regional youth orchestra was formed,
allowing family and friends across the region to harmonize every week.
P.S. ARTS Progressive Vision Receives National Recognition
On May 6, 2011, the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities (PCAH) published a report in support of President
Obama's platform for "reinvesting in American arts education." The PCAH has been active for thirty years, working with
major government institutions to shape national policy related to the arts and culture. The May 6th report contains policy
recommendations based on 18 months of research on the current condition of arts education in our country, as well as the
validated benefits of arts education for children. PCAH conducted site visits to "model arts programs" around the country,
including a visit to P.S. ARTS in April, when committee members met with the Executive Directors, Program staff, and Board
of Directors Chairperson, and visited a P.S. ARTS visual arts classroom. P.S. ARTS is proud to be acknowledged alongside
only 21 other arts organizations across the nation in the report. In July, 2011, the P.S. ARTS TakePART project will be highlighted in the National Americans for the Arts Monthly Wire.
Evaluation
For nearly two decades P.S. ARTS has been collecting exemplary student artwork portfolios and documenting everyday
learning, including extraordinary examples of transformation through the arts. Currently, P.S. ARTS evaluates program
impact in four categories:
1. Curriculum Quality: This is measured through a curriculum documentation review process and semi-annual classroom
teacher surveys. We expect a high-quality curriculum to yield increased student artistic, academic, and social
performance.
2. Instructional Quality: This is measured by rubric-based assessment of Teaching Artist classroom performance and
semi-annual teacher surveys. We expect high instructional quality to yield increased student artistic, academic and social
performance, as well as increased classroom teacher investment, arts skills, and commitment to arts programming.
3. Student Achievement: This is measured by semi-annual classroom teacher surveys. We expect students to perform
better across school contexts, as well as gain specific skills, concepts, and characteristics that are associated with future
academic and professional success.
4. School District Satisfaction: This is measured by school and district-level document review (attendance records,
academic performance scores, behavioral records), as well as through contracted external evaluators. We expect nurturing
school district satisfaction will yield an increased philosophical and financial commitment to the arts from district and
community stakeholders.
s/VEROFTHETEACHERSANDADMINISTRATORS
surveyed observed artistic gains in their students
participating in the P.S. ARTS program, including
technical arts skills, creativity, and aesthetic
!!
100
valuing.
s/VEROFCLASSROOMTEACHERSANDSCHOOL
80
principal respondents agreed that their students
demonstrated improved social skills as a result
60
of participating in P.S. ARTS programs, including
40
confidence and cooperation.
s/VEROFCLASSROOMTEACHERSSURVEYED
!
20
agreed that their students had demonstrated
the necessary forms.!
clear gains in academic skills including critical
0
thinking skills, vocabulary, or articulation.
Cooperation
Academics
Vocabulary
Critical Thinking
Confidence
% Teachers Reporting Gains
Express Yourself
November 11, 2012
Each November, families across Southern California come together for Express Yourself. This fun-filled afternoon features dynamic art
activities that spark the imagination. Families can experience the joy and creativity that more than 11,000 children discover every week in
P.S. ARTS classrooms. Alongside rows of exciting art booths, guests sample signature treats from Los Angeles’ best restaurants and
caterers and are entertained by a stage show performance. Express Yourself is one of P.S. ARTS most anticipated events and has become
its biggest fundraiser of the year. This magical day for families makes a significant contribution toward ensuring that P.S. ARTS students
continue to thrive in an environment that encourages creativity and gives them an opportunity to express themselves.
Are there still thousands of kids without any arts programs in their schools? Unfortunately, yes. Does this magical day make a dent with
your attendance, contribution and participation? Absolutely. Don’t miss this enchanted day designed to support the restoration of arts
education to public schools. Become a part of P.S. ARTS and Express Yourself in 2012.
Past Guests
Debbie Allen
David Arquette
Catherine Bach
Jason Bateman
David Beckham
Kate Beckinsale
Drake Bell
Lauralee Bell
Bill Bellamy
Mario Bello
Gil Bellows
Jack Black
Julie Bowen
Albert Brooks
Kate Capshaw
Steve Carell
Don Cheadle
Sasha Cohen
Lauren Conrad
Dan Cortese
Courteney Cox
Marcia Cross
Ted Danson
Larry David
Kristin Davis
Dom DeLuise
Rebecca De Mornay
Laura Dern
Jenna Elfman
Morgan Fairchild
Mark Feuerstein
Joely Fisher
Calista Flockhart
Jodie Foster
Brendan Fraser
Jeff Garlin
Balthazar Getty
Sara Gilbert
Peri Gilpin
Cuba Gooding Jr.
Ginnifer Goodwin
Clark Gregg
Jennifer Grey
Rachel Griffiths
Harry Hamlin
Alyson Hannigan
Melora Hardin
Bret Harrison
Susanna Hoffs
Djimon Hounsou
Arianna Huffington
Felicity Huffman
Laura Innes
Randy Jackson
Jane Kaczmarek
Chris Klein
Lisa Kudrow
Christine Lahti
Anthony La Paglia
Kimora Lee Simmons
Donal Logue
William H. Macy
Natalie Maines
Camryn Manheim
Gilles Marini
James Marsden
Marlee Matlin
Debi Mazar
Joel McHale
Breckin Meyer
Christa Miller
Janel Moloney
Michelle Monaghan
Bridget Moynahan
Petra Nemcova
Danielle Panabaker
Kay Panabaker
Adrian Pasdar
Teri Polo
Daniel Powter
Megyn Price
Wolfgang Puck
Shawn Pyfrom
Josh Radnor
Kim Raver
Rob Reiner
Denise Richards
Rob Riggle
Lisa Rinna
Freddy Rodriguez
Mimi Rogers
Victoria Rowell
Debby Ryan
Meg Ryan
Adam Scott
Molly Shannon
Brooke Shields
Molly Sims
Aaron Sorkin
Mary Steenburgen
Ben Stiller
Madeline Stowe
Hilary Swank
Alison Sweeney
Christine Taylor
Heather Thomas
Tom Verica
Steven Weber
Kelli Williams
Rita Wilson
Amy Yasbeck
OK! Weekly
Hollyscoop.com
Hollywood.com
LA.com
Life.com
MSNBC.com
NBCWashington.com
OMG!
People.com
SocialiteLife.com
NY Post, Page Six
TreeHugger.com
Us Weekly
Yahoo.com
Yahoo Italia
Media Coverage
TV
Access Hollywood
E! News Live
E! Daily 10
Online
Print
Angeleno
C Magazine
In Touch
LA Daily News
Life & Style
Los Angeles
Confidential
Los Angeles Times
OK! Weekly
People
Soap Opera Weekly
Soap Opera Digest
Star
Us Weekly
AOLNews.com
AskMen.com
Celebuzz.com
Cosmopolitan.com
Dailylife.com
E! Online
InStyle.com
FoxNews.com
Express Yourself 2011
Express Yourself 2010
Express Yourself 2009
Express Yourself 2009
Express Yourself 2008
Express Yourself 2008
Express Yourself 2007
Express Yourself 2007
Express Yourself 2006
Opening Night Party of Los Angeles Modernism
May 2013
Building off of five years hosting the opening night of the Antiques Show, P.S. ARTS went modern for its 20th anniversary to celebrate
the Opening Night Party of Los Angeles Modernism. This exquisite evening event plays host to Los Angeles’ most prominent artists,
designers, architects and other influential professionals from the creative community. This fabulous cocktail party is attended by more
than 1,000 guests and kicks off a weekend-long exhibition attended by more than 3,000 patrons of decorative fine arts.
The money raised through ticket sales and sponsorship of the Opening Night Party and advertisements in the Show’s Exhibition Catalog
go directly to P.S. ARTS. The Party and Exhibition Catalog give the community an opportunity to continue the important work of P.S.
ARTS that inspires children to become the future artists, musicians, designers and creative thinkers of tomorrow.
2012 Opening Night Party of Los Angeles Modernism Committee
Maria & Bill Bell, Pam & Alan Bergman, Rachel Bilson, Julie Bowen, Elizabeth Stewart & Rob Bragin, Kimberly & Albert Brooks,
Kristen & Lindsey Buckingham, Courteney Cox, Waldo Fernandez, Patrick Herning, George Kotsiopoulos, Carolyn Powers,
Naomi & Adam Scott, Cameron Silver, Angelique Soave, Aaron Sorkin, Julia Sorkin, and Lisa Kudrow & Michael Stern.
Previous Opening Night Party Guests
Shiri Appleby
Garcelle Beauvais
Julie Bowen
Zach Braff
Justin Chambers
Lily Collins
Courteney Cox
Marcia Cross
Blythe Danner
Dana Delaney
Emily Deschanel
Francesca Eastwood
Balthazar Getty
Stacy Haiduk
Nicky Hilton
Chris Klein
George Kotsiopoulos
Lisa Kudrow
Nick Lachey
Christian LeBlanc
Kate Linder
Tom Mahoney
Debi Mazar
Zach McGowan
Jennifer Meyer
Vanessa Minnillo
Kevin Nealon
Marisol Nichols
Stephen Nichols
Kay Panabaker
Ellen Pompeo
Wolfgang Puck
Shawn Pyfrom
Lionel Richie
Amanda Righetti
Greg Rikaart
Shiva Rose
Johnathon Schaech
Barbra Streisand
Hillary Swank
Robin Tunney
Amber Valletta
Barry Watson
Kelly Wearstler
Steven Weber
Natalie Zea
Media Coverage
TV
ABC7
Access Hollywood
E! News Live
EXTRA
Fox News Good Day
LA
Print
Angeleno Interiors
Malibu Times
Angeleno Magazine
OK! Magazine
Antique Trader
People
Antique West
The Robb Report
BH Courier
Santa Monica Observer
C Magazine
Us Weekly
Domino Magazine
InStyle
LA Confidential Magazine
LA Daily News
Life & Style
Los Angeles Magazine
The Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times Magazine
Online
Daily Candy
E! Online
Fashion Week Daily
Flavorpill
FoxNews.com
Hufftington Post
InStyle.com
LA.com
LAMag.com
LATimes.com
Life.com
New York Post Online
OKMagazine.com
People.com
Style.com
Urban Art & Antiques
USAToday.com
WWD.com
Yahoo!
Opening Night Party of Los Angeles Modernism 2012
Opening Night Party of the Los Angeles Antiques Show 2011
Opening Night Party of the Los Angeles Antiques Show 2010
Opening Night Party of the Los Angeles Antiques Show 2009
Opening Night Party of the Los Angeles Antiques Show 2008
Opening Night Party of the Los Angeles Antiques Show 2007
Bag Lunch
May 2013
The ladies who lunch are also the ladies giving back to their community through their favorite charity, P.S. ARTS. More than 250 designer
handbags are donated to P.S. ARTS for this invitation-only event held at a private estate. Hosted by Elizabeth Stewart and George
Kotsiopoulos, guests peruse bags that are auctioned at up to 60% off the retail price with 100% of the proceeds going to P.S. ARTS. A
highly coveted invitation to this event allows access to some of the world’s most exclusive designer handbags, exquisite cosmetics and
amazing jewelry. In addition to an afternoon of guilt-free shopping, guests enjoy a gourmet brown bag lunch.
2012 Host Committee
Arianne Phillips, Cristina Ehrlich, Dianna Vavra, Glynis Costin, Jen Rade, Katy Perry, Kristin Davis, Sophia Bush and Zooey Deschanel.
Past Guests
Malin Akerman
Shiri Appleby
Beth Behrs
Lake Bell
Julie Bowen
Joy Bryant
Vanessa Bryant
Sophia Bush
Jessica Capshaw
Kaley Cuoco
Kristin Davis
Emily Deschanel
Zooey Deschanel
Jenna Elfman
Joely Fisher
Calista Flockhart
Rebecca Gayheart
Angie Harmon
Lydia Hearst
Nicky Hilton
Minka Kelly
Jana Kramer
Monique Lhuillier
Lori Loughlin
Rose McGowan
Becki Newton
Marisol Nichols
Jodi Lyn O’Keefe
Katy Perry
Amanda Righetti
Taryn Rose
Shiva Rose
Emmy Rossum
Kelly Rutherford
Abigail Spencer
Sharon Stone
Jaime Tisch
Kerry Washington
Reese Witherspoon
Rachel Zoe
and 200+ individuals from P.S. ARTS’ exclusive entertainment and fashion industry mailing list
Media Coverage
Print
Angeleno Magazine
Beverly Hills 213 Magazine
Beverly Hills Courier
C Magazine
Distinction Magazine
LA Confidential Magazine
LA Daily News
Life & Style
Los Angeles Magazine
InStyle
Signature Magazine
USA Today
Vogue
W Magazine
Online
EOnline.com
Glamour.com
Life.com
InStyle.com
LA.Racked.com
LosAngelesTimes.com
People.com
SocietyNewsLA.com
Style.com
TheDailyTruffle.com
WomensWearDaily.com
Bag Lunch 2012
Bag Lunch 2011
Bag Lunch 2010
Bag Lunch 2009
Bag Lunch 2008
Other Events
Program Events
Arts Advocacy
Congress Tackles Arts Funding By BRETT ZONGKER Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, actor Chris Klein and BET co­founder Sheila Johnson pressed Congress on Tuesday to restore funding for the arts to levels from 15 years ago ­ before those funds were slashed. The arts activists joined the advocacy group Americans for the Arts for a day of lobbying and testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior. They asked that funding for the National Endowment for the Arts be increased to $176 million for fiscal 2008, which was the federal government's all­time high allocation in 1992. "Our kids are uncultured and culturally ignorant all over this country," Marsalis said. "I think it's important for us, in this time, to set another tone for what our nation is about.” Marsalis said Americans shouldn't be viewed on the world stage as "the kids who walked into the candy store with a machine gun" but instead as a culture "we are proud of.” When Republicans took over the House in 1995, they tried to eliminate all funding for the NEA. Critics said the NEA was supporting obscene art. The agency survived, but Congress cut its budget by 40 percent to $99.5 million in 1996 and 1997. The Bush administration's proposed budget for fiscal 2008 includes $128.4 million for the NEA, an increase of $4 million. Arts advocates asked for more Tuesday, saying the NEA's funding should be $254 million if its 1992 funding were adjusted for inflation. State funding for the arts also has declined over the past decade as cash­strapped governments scrambled to erase deficits. Part of the rationale for the federal cuts in the 1990s was that private funding could fill the void. But the share of philanthropy being directed to arts organizations also has declined since 1992, said Robert Lynch, president and chief executive officer of Americans for the Arts. "That drop represents an $8.4 billion loss to the arts in private sector giving," Lynch said. Private giving to the arts has long been tied to the inherent endorsement of arts programs from federal funding, he said. Lynch brought more than 400 arts promoters to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for the group's annual Arts Advocacy Day. They met a mostly friendly audience in the Democratic­led subcommittee. It was the first congressional hearing on arts funding in 12 years. "Except for a few members of the flat earth society, there is little opposition to this funding," Rep. Norm Dicks, D­Wash., said Tuesday. "The culture wars are over.” Dicks said the NEA should see an increase in funding, but added that it's not clear how much money lawmakers would be able to carve out of the budget. Lynch urged lawmakers to consider the economic impact of arts organizations in both small towns and big cities. A 2002 economic impact study showed the arts generate $134 billion in economic activity each year, 44.5 million full­time jobs and $24.4 billion in tax revenue for the federal government, Lynch said. Johnson, a longtime arts philanthropist and part owner of the group that owns the NHL's Washington Capitals and the WNBA's Washington Mystics, said she owes her business success to the arts. Before co­founding Black Entertainment Television, Johnson was a music teacher. BET is a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (nyse: VIA ­ news ­ people) ”Working with children, that was my passion," Johnson said. "We are doing them a huge disservice by pulling the arts out of the schools.” Klein, who played leading roles in "American Pie" and "Election," said the NEA should be celebrated for funding programs such as Voices in Harmony and PS Arts in Los Angeles. He said such programs were restoring arts education in public schools.