Arts Night took place last Thursday at Iron Springs Elementary in an attempt to boost awareness for an arts education program threatened with a cut in funding.

The Beverley Taylor Sorensen Arts Learning Program was awarded funding from the Utah State Legislature last year, but due to budget cuts, it is now in peril of being removed from schools across the state at the end of the current school year, according to speakers at Arts Night.

Iron Springs Elementary, North Elementary and Escalante Valley Elementary have participated in the arts program and hosted Arts Night together to garner support for their cause, “Friends of Art Works for Kids,” the group working to maintain state funding for the Beverley Taylor Sorensen Arts Learning Program.

The North Starz Choir from North Elementary opened Arts Night by performing three different songs, showing off their talent built with the help of the program.

Parents, students and teachers alike were all welcomed by Iron Springs Elementary Principal Jane Twitchell. She said “there is no more heartwarming thing than to see kids perform and show off their talents.”

Lisa Cluff, “Friends of Art Works for Kids” director, expressed the importance of having art education in schools. She said research has shown that art education can provide a more enriched curriculum for students.

“We’ve seen the results,” Cluff stated. “We’ve seen test scores go up, we’ve seen attendance go up.”

Cluff requested that parents help out with the cause by joining with “Friends of Art Works for Kids” and letting the state legislature know the program is essential.

Attendees were honored to be able to hear from Beverley Taylor Sorenson herself. She stood and gave a quick speech, and said “these are the most wonderful kids in the world.” She too pushed for the community to get involved.

“Let’s get this done with the legislature,” she said.

Brent Bonner, North Elementary principal, shared the story of a troubled student who discovered art and through it discovered himself.

“I’m not sure he would have gotten what he needed without it,” Bonner said.

Pam Robinson, Escalante Valley Elementary principal, related the importance of art education in the learning of gifted and talented students. She told about a group of students who, with the help and guidance of their art teacher, wrote an original play, even creating their own costumes and scenery.

“It wouldn’t have happened without specialists,” she said.

Attendees were invited to enjoy a gallery walk full of art pieces created by students from the three schools. A Navajo weaving exhibit was on display in the library as well.

Alisa Peterson, Iron County School District art coordinator and the art specialist at Iron Springs Elementary, had her classroom open for parents to visit. Peterson said the event went well. She said they saw about as many attendees as they expected to turn out.

For more information or to help support the Beverley Taylor Arts Learning Program, visit www.artsworksforkids.org.