AUGUSTA, ME, June 16, 2016 — The Maine Arts Commission is proud to announce the selection of 11 new artists to its Teaching Artist Roster. The roster, launched in 2014 and available at https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Teaching-Artist-Roster, includes Maine artists whose work reflects their expertise and commitment to providing learning opportunities for students and/or teachers in PK-12 educational settings. The Teaching Artists are available to conduct high-quality learning opportunities for students in school settings, as well as for community organizations that offer arts education.

“We’re excited to have so many high quality artists in Maine dedicated to sharing their skills in our schools,” said Argy Nestor, the Commission’s Director for Arts Education. “And we hope that the availability of this roster encourages schools to partner with them.”

The new additions to the Teaching Artist Roster are: Annegret Baier, Portland, music; Karen Brooks, Lewiston, visual arts; Scot Canon, Belfast, music; Tim Christensen, Franklin, visual arts; Sara Anne Donnelly, Portland, literary arts; Brian Evans-Jones, South Berwick, literary arts; Gibson Fay-LeBlanc, Portland, literary arts; Namory Keita, Westbrook, music and dance; Elly Lovin, Portland, dance; Nancy Salmon, South Freeport, dance; and Putnam Smith, Durham, music. Full biographies, photos, and contact details are available at https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Teaching-Artist-Roster. The Commission encourages educators and those responsible for arts education to utilize the roster by communicating directly with the Teaching Artists through the website.

The Arts Commission defines Teaching Artists as professional artists who are dedicated to lifelong learning and arts education, have made it an integral part of their professional practice, and who have cultivated skills as educators in concert with their skills as artists. The successful applicants demonstrated mastery of an artistic discipline; knowledge and expertise in sequential arts instruction; good communication skills; planning and organizational ability; and an understanding of PK-12 learners.

There are now 58 artists on the roster in disciplines including music, dance, theater, visual arts, media arts, and literary arts. Applications are accepted only two times per year.

To learn more about the Maine Arts Commission teaching artist program and to access the application please go to https://mainearts.maine.gov/Pages/Education/Teaching-Artists#.

To learn more about the Arts Commission’s other PK-12 arts education programs contact Argy Nestor at argy.nestor@maine.gov or 207-287-2713.

The Maine Arts Commission shall encourage and stimulate public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and cultural programs of our state; shall expand the state's cultural resources; and shall encourage and assist freedom of artistic expression for the well being of the arts, to meet the needs and aspirations of persons in all parts of the state. Additional information is available at mainearts.com.