January, 2022
Topeka Public Schools Monthly Fine Arts Newsletter
"We Must Accept Finite Disappointment, But Never Lose Infinite Hope"
"Living the Dream, Inc., was chartered as a not-for-profit community based organization in 1985 by Robert Bugg to serve as a multi-cultural citizen's group to help preserve the legacy and example to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and to plan appropriate ceremonies and programs in conjunction with the legal King Holiday enacted by the Congress of the United States." (ltdtopeka.com)
Entries Awarded First Place
Sandra Salinas Guevera, Chase MS, 6th grade
DeShauna Wiley, Topeka HS, 12th grade
Charity Battles, Chase MS, 7th grade
"The goals of Living the Dream, Inc., are to enhance Dr. King's philosophy of nonviolence throughout the year, to recognize and teach human understanding, and to promote academic excellence. Toward these goals, Living the Dream, Inc., provides scholarships to students that meet scholastic requirements set forth by the Living the Dream Board." (ltdtopeka.com)
Entries Awarded Second Place
Gloria's drawing is called "The Historical Movement". The themes Human Rights and Justice inspired Gloria's drawing. When asked about the motivation behind this entry, Gloria said, "...this connects to the legacy of Dr. King because they all connect to being able to look up to him and the others in my drawing...We need to continue the legacy of being there together and helping others out. The important thing all of us can do to continue The Dream is to accept people that are different from us, because we are all still a living human [that has] feelings..."
Other historical figures in this drawing include (from left to right) Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama.
Mary Jane Daniels-Hurd, Chase MS, 6th grade
Ra'Lynn Divers, Chase MS, 8th grade
Richard Miller, Chase MS, 7th grade
Isabella Juarez Milton, Quincy Elementary, 3rd grade
Written behind MLK are more adjectives Isabella described him as, such as "determined", "loyal", and "friendly".
"Annually, in honor of Dr. King, Living the Dream, Inc., recognizes individuals, organizations, and corporations for their outstanding contributions to the Topeka and Shawnee County community. Emphasis is placed on acknowledging those who often go unnoticed." (ltdtopeka.com)
Entries Awarded Third Place
Angelique Cushinberry, Chase MS, 6th grade
Joneice Hockanson, Chase MS, 7th grade
Aniyah Stuart, Quincy Elementary, 3rd grade
Behind MLK are more descriptors Aniyah chose for him, such as "helpful", "leader", and "considerate".
Fine Arts Holidays
It is always fun finding an excuse to celebrate the arts. Every day is a special day!
Happy ...
... Women Rock! Day (Jan 3)
... Pop Music Chart Day (Jan 4)
... National Screenwriters Day (Jan 5)
... Birthday, Elvis Presley (Jan 8)
... International Choreographers Day (Jan 9)
... Poetry at Work Day (Jan 11)
... Stephen Foster Memorial Day (Jan 13)
... National DJ Day (Jan 13)
... Museum Selfie Day (Jan 19)
... National Kazoo Day (Jan 28)
... Yodel for Your Neighbors Day (Jan 30)
... National Draw a Dinosaur Day (Jan 30)
... Grammy Awards Day (Jan 31)
... Inspire Your Heart with Art Day (Jan 31)
Contact Information
Consulting Teacher of Fine Arts
Kailey Johnson
Data Recorder, Music Librarian
Email: creynolds@tps501.org
Website: topekapublicschools.net/
Phone: (785) 295-3944