Local Arts Education
Originally published online at Oly Arts on July 23, 2o26 and in print in the Summer 2026 edition.
Every article published at Oly Arts relies on the active participation of artists in our society. Oly Arts’ reliable and consistent presence in this community shows that there will always be a story to share, none of which would be possible without the important contribution of arts education in our public schools. It is within these spaces that students gain access to the arts and develop a love for these traditions while finding ways to innovate their craft and keep it alive.
Arts education has always been a target for budget cuts, often resulting in limited opportunities for students in schools. This issue remains relevant in Washington state today.
Oly Arts invited arts educators from North Thurston, Olympia, and Tumwater school districts to comment on the impact of the arts in students’ lives and describe the importance of the arts in our society.
This is what they had to say:
The impact of the arts on student lives
“Sometimes, the only chance students have to create art is in the classroom when they come to school, especially those who live in high poverty or attend a Title I school. As an art teacher, I can see how students crave to make art and get their hands in paint or clay. Art can help students be successful in school when they could be struggling in other areas. It can be the reason that a student is willing to get out of bed and come to school. The arts serve an important role in student development, mental health, and finding a balance in life.”
— Demetria Schweizer, Art Specialist, Lydia Hawk Elementary
“Participation in an arts program can transform a student’s confidence. At the start of the year, I often see students who are very afraid to take risks in front of their peers. By the end of year, those same students are enthusiastic volunteers for every activity. Many former students have told me that my class brought them out of their shell and helped them feel more confident in all aspects of their lives.”
— Jennifer Valera, Theatre Director, Aspire Performing Arts Academy
“The arts allow students to explore their creativity and discover themselves. Arts education sets students up to be inventive, engaged, flexible thinkers, and provide an invaluable lifeline for many who are looking for belonging at school.”
— Austin Bennett, Theatre Director, Olympia High School
Arts education is vital to today’s society
“Humans have been expressing themselves through mark making and imagery since they first walked the earth. The arts is a language that transcends borders and connects people locally and globally. Through art, we gain understanding of different cultures, peoples, and histories. The arts are cross curricular with foundations in math, science, history, reading, and writing. Anyone can make art, and it’s the process that makes us human.”
— Stefanie Ramsay, Art Teacher, Reeves Middle School
“The arts give students a meaningful break from constant screen time and digital distractions. Through the arts, students develop focus, discipline, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in ways that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. Arts education strengthens creativity and critical thinking while helping students connect with their peers and express themselves in a deeply human way.”
— Austin Schlichting, Orchestra and Choir Director, River Ridge High School
“More than ever, our students need the opportunity to find their authentic voices and learn to build healthy connections. Arts programs instinctively provide social and emotional learning for all people, and help them navigate this changing and dynamic world.”
— Kristina Cummins, Theatre Director, Capital High School
“The next generation of instrumentalists, vocalists, actors, and visual artists are being taught and trained in schools right now. Almost all artists begin their artistic journey in schools. I have seen a drop in arts education over the past decade. Without arts education, our society will not have anyone to fill the artistic roles already in place. We will lose artists in a very short period of time. The arts fulfill the most important forms of self-expression. Without arts offerings in schools, people may never experience the joy in creativity or music making, or of emoting and coping in a healthy and productive way.”
— Terry Shaw, Choir Director, Timberline High School