Page 20

20364HR

For years, the courthouses in east and west Pasco County had bare walls and atmospheres thick with grim expectancy. Meanwhile, the art classes in the Pasco County School District had talented teachers and eager students, but few places to display their work. Then, in July 2013, a plan was hatched to benefit both: At the urging of Administrative Assistant Laurie Ansorge, Paula O’Neil, Pasco County’s Clerk & Comptroller, invited public school artists to turn the courthouses’ stark public areas into galleries. Tabbed the All American Youth Art Walk, the plan blossomed on in March 2016 with the hanging of 103 works of student inspiration representing 31 schools. O’Neil’s goal, then and since, was to create a public-recognition event benefitting several populations, ranging from students and teachers, to the patrons of our public buildings, to the employees who work in them. Mission accomplished: Now in its second successful year, the Art Walk not only boosts the artists and their schools, it presents a welcome gift to the public and courthouse staff. Our galleries of eye-pleasing student artwork have proved moodaltering, lifting the spirits of countless passersby and 100% Private Room Hospital 20 TO CONNECT Magazine SM 9330 State Road 54 | Trinity, FL 34655 www.MedicalCenterTrinity.com (727) 834-4000 employees alike. Through such ongoing efforts, the Clerk & Comptroller and her allies at the Sixth Judicial Circuit and the Pasco County School District continue to demonstrate the importance of championing art education — and its ancillary benefits, including improved academic achievement and enhanced problem-solving skills — in our schools. Recently, the Clerk & Comptroller’s office, in partnership with the Pasco County School District and Florida West Coast Credit Union, hosted its second-annual receptions honoring our student artists. Nearly 40 contributors, accompanied by loved ones, were feted with cake, punch, and certificates of achievement at events at the West Pasco (March 30) and Robert D. Sumner (April 5) judicial centers. Also attending were art teachers, Sixth Judicial Circuit judges, and representatives of area elected officials. In brief speeches, O’Neil and Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning touted the achievements of the young artists as well as the importance of a full fine-arts curriculum. Exquisitely driving that point home were musical performances by the J.W. Mitchell High School jazz ensemble and “Encore,” Zephyrhills High School’s show choir. New student artwork goes on display in both courthouses in early January and hangs through the end of December, so there’s still plenty of time to stop by and appreciate what this year’s artists have produced. We can only dream of what the third-annual All American Youth Art Walk will bring. Message from the Clerk of Courts


20364HR
To see the actual publication please follow the link above