2010 City of Spokane Arts Award

From the Spokane Arts Commission website:

Arts in Education – Spokane Community Building Children's Center - Blueprints for Learning Program

The Community Building Children's Center (CBCC) describes itself as one part school, one part home and one part museum. Its Blueprints for Learning Program for preschoolers actively incorporates the use of art to help children learn and grow.

Their approach is designed to focus on nurturing each child's intellectual growth and creativity through an emphasis on the local environment and the inclusion of arts (visual, performance, music, dance, song, etc.). The Museum of Arts and Culture trains their staff in the use of a technique called visual thinking strategies which encourages children to view art with a critical mind. Studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between visual thinking and positive growth in math and reading skills.

Blueprints for Learning also offers a Training Institute which teaches other local child care professionals how to incorporate art and exploration into their early childhood education programs.

The Blueprints for Learning approach has been shown to be especially effective when a child has a physical or mental challenge. The parent of one such child commented that her daughter has absolutely blossomed since attending the program primarily because she has been encouraged to dance, sing, play music and create art in whatever way she is able. Her daughter is starting to overcome some of her physical challenges through the use of art as she develops new ways of moving, learning and expressing herself.

The CBCC through its Blueprints for Learning Program has truly become a leader in arts in education in Spokane by offering both a local arts-based preschool program and a regional training program.

All About the 2011 Great Spokane Art Party

About	The Art Party is a benefit fundraiser for Blueprints for learning.

Overview	What is the Great Spokane Art Party? It is the antidote to the typical silent auctions, wine tastings and benefit dinners. It is an engaging evening of wine, hors d'oeuvres, camaraderie and hands-on art exploration for adults. The Art Party supports Blueprints for Learning, which tirelessly works to improve the quality of early childcare and education in Spokane. With guidance from some of Spokane’s most beloved artists, attendees try their hand at clay, glass, silk fabric painting, print-making, jewelry, paper collage, and more. Participating artists have included Harold Balazs, Ken Spiering, Kay O'Rourke, Mardis Nenno, Heidi Arbogast, Olivia Waterman, Scott Kolbo, Lance Sinnema, and many more. Tickets are $50 per person or $80 for a couple. They can be purchased at the Community Building Children’s Center, by calling Blueprints for Learning at 777-0822, or at the door.
Description	The Art Party is an unforgettable evening that leaves one feeling a little more inspired.
General Information	May 7, 2011 | 7-10 pm | at the Community Building Tickets are $50 per person or $80 for a couple. They can be purchased at the Community Building Children’s Center, by calling Blueprints for Learning at 777-0822, or at the door.
Mission	The Art Party is a benefit fundraiser for Blueprints for learning, a nonprofit organization working to increase the quality of early child care and learning in our community. Research shows that the foundation of a person's success in life is formed within the blueprint of the first five years. For this reason, we believe that investments in early childhood education, training, staff development and best practice should be a priority for our community. Blueprints for Learning offers two programs: the Child Care Training Institute and the Community Building Children's Center, a high quality child care program. Our programs address both the needs that child care professionals have for high-quality training and the needs that families have for high-quality child care.
Awards	2010 RECIPIENT OF THE SPOKANE ARTS IN EDUCATION AWARD The City of Spokane Arts in Education Award is given annually to a person, organization or school that demonstrates the successful use of arts in education and a high level of commitment to its students. On their website, SpokaneArts.org, it states that the Children's Center and Blueprints for Learning have "truly become a leader in arts in education in Spokane by offering both a local arts-based preschool program and a regional training program."

Email	artparty@blueprintsforlearning.org
Phone	509.777.0822