December 19, 2001

January Conference on Education and the Arts to be Held at Ramapo College

(Mahwah) – Ignite the Spirit, a two-day conference on education and the arts, will be held at Ramapo College of New Jersey Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26, 2002 in the Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts. Conceived by educators and artists to celebrate and share their own talents, the conference, now in its third year, is expected to draw an audience of educators at all levels, artists, and individuals who are involved with implementing arts programs. Participation in the program will earn attendees eight hours toward the 100 hours New Jersey requirement for professional development. The conference is open to all.

Friday’s program will begin at 4 p.m. with registration and continue with "Literacy Through the Arts" by Helen Hayes Youth Theatre, a two-hour, hands-on workshop onstage, where participants will learn choreography and song and then perform. Dinner will feature the keynote address, "The Status of Education in the Arts," by Dr. Dale Schmid, visual and performing arts coordinator at the New Jersey Department of Education.

Saturday’s program will open with "Art in Context: The Museum and its Role in K-12 Arts Education" followed by "Globetrotters’ Residency: Rhythm and Motion." A variety of presentations, demonstrations and workshops will follow after lunch, such as book art, felting, acting, singing, dancing, sculpture, photojournalism and song writing.

The registration fee of $125 includes dinner, breakfast and lunch; a 20 percent discount will apply for groups of three or more. Overnight accommodations are available at the Ramada Inn of Mahwah (201-529-5880). There will be special hotel rates for conference participants. For additional information please call (201) 684-7844.