Students Advocate for the Arts at State Capitol

Students from across Southeast Missouri presented their artwork to local legislators Wednesday, Feb. 10, during the Missouri Citizens for the Arts Day at the Legislature at the State Capitol in Jefferson City, MO.

The artwork was submitted as part of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri's Children's Arts Festival. A total of 14 pieces of children's artwork were selected to be given to local legislators from hundreds of entries from more than 20 schools. These pieces were framed and given to elected officials for a loan period of one year to hang in their office as a reminder of the importance of state funding for the arts. A reception for the students, their families and their legislators was hosted by the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri in Lt. Governor Peter Kinder's office.

"Not only do the arts add to the quality of life in our state, but they also help support the local economies of Missouri communities," said Melissa Miller, executive director of the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

According to a recent study by Americans for the Arts, the nonprofit arts industry generates $1.1 billion in direct economic impact in Missouri. This spending - $510.2 million by nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and an additional $562.5 million in event-related spending by their audiences - supports 14,893 full-time equivalent jobs, generates $742.9 million in household income to local residents, and delivers $110.6 million in local and state government revenue.

Students who traveled to Jefferson City to present their artwork in person include:

Nathan Kamiskas, grade 3, Woodland Elementary, presenting to Rep. Shelley Keeney, District 156;

Bailey Beussink, grade 3, St. Vincent De Paul School, presenting to Rep. Scott Lipke, District 157;

Emma Mueller, grade 7, of Immanuel Lutheran School, Perryville to Rep. Steven Tilley;

Chris Siler, grade 6, Puxico R-8 to Rep. Tom Todd;

Sierra Rau, grade 6, Trinity Lutheran School to Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder

David Pettit, grade 7, Bloomfield R-14 to Sen. Rob Mayer; and

Jewel Chism, grade 4, Bloomfield R-14, to Rep. Billy Pat Wright.

Other students having their artwork presented to legislators by members of the Arts Council board and staff include:

Kenterrion French, grade 3, Franklin Elementary to Sen. Jason Crowell;

Jessica Kempe, grade 4, Kelly Elementary, to Rep. Ellen Brandom;

Hattie Holt, grade 5, Puxico R-8 to Rep. Steve Hodges;

Trenton Holt, grade 3, Puxico R-8, to Rep. Terry Swinger, and

Danielle Childers, grade 8, Trinity Lutheran School to Rep. Clint Tracy.

In addition, Sydney Keith, grade 6, Woodland Elementary, will present her work to Rep. Jo Ann Emerson at the Congressional Art Show on May 7 at the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri.

The Arts Council of Southeast Missouri is located at 32 N. Main Street in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization was founded in 1961 by metalsmith Otto F. Dingeldein, to encourage artistic awareness, participation, and expression. By showcasing the arts we hope to stimulate the exchange of new ideas and build a shared sense of community. Find us online at www.CapeArts.org, www.Facebook.com/CapeArts or www.Twitter.com/CapeArts.