Take pART demonstrates Public Value

In early 2008 the OAC launched a new initiative called Take pART that aims to gather public value stories from citizens around Ohio. The OAC introduced the idea of public value to its constituents in 2004 as a core concept for Ohio's arts organizations as we move into a new era for the arts. Public value is difficult to define in concrete terms. The most important thing about public value is that it is something that exists within each community - it is created by the citizens, businesses and organizations of that community. The OAC can't define public value for the entire state or even for a particular community or organization. Our goal is to help our constituents seek out and define the public value within their own work, within their own community, and to, in turn, help reveal that public value.

It is our hope that through Take pART people throughout the state will share how the arts have made an impact on their lives and within their community. As artists and arts organizations you can not only enter your own stories, but also help us gather evidence of public value by inviting your participants to share their stories with you and through Take pART. The fundamental question is how have you changed, or how have your participants lives changed, as a result of engagement with your art and with your organization?

For anyone interested in learning more about the concept of public value we invite you to visit the Convenings Page which contains resources such as links to New Frameworks for Revealing Public Value in the Arts (Christy Farnbauch, Mollie Lakin-Hayes, Jerry Yoshitomi; copyright, March 2004) and remarks made by Wayne Lawson and Jerry Yoshitomi during the March 2004 meetings.

Following are the most recent Take pART stories. We hope you enjoy learning more about how the arts impact the lives of Ohioans.
From Rita (South Zanesville) on 9/5/2008
	When I joined the Y-City Writers Forum earlier this year, I thought I would receive encouragement to finish my stories. In fact, I did. I, also, found friendship among some of the most interesting people I have ever met. Now we are busy putting together our first writers conference slated for November 8, 2008. It is hard work, but fulfilling. We have gotten a diverse group of speakers and many donations from the community and authors everywhere. In conclusion, The Y-City Writers Forum has given me a purpose in life again that illness had taken away.
From Margaret (Dayton) on 8/22/2008
	The Bach Society of Dayton shared the following public value story in their FY2008 Arts Partnership final report. The grant gave eight Xenia high school students and their chorus director the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Society, which performs choral music far more advanced than most high school choruses. After the concert, several Bach Society members were talking with the mother of one of the Xenia High School students. We remarked on how enthusiastic her son was and she related that he didn't start out that way. After a few weeks, she said, he realized he could actually sing this music, and for over a month prior to the concert it was all he talked about. We asked if she thought it would pass and her comment was: "Oh no, he's hooked!" We know he worked very hard and even memorized some of the more difficult passages so he could pay more attention to the director. "Singet dem Herrn" is perhaps the most difficult of Bach's Motets and it is 29 minutes of almost continuous singing, in German, with many opportunities for mistakes. The significance of this is real: while there's no assurance that this young man will continue to approach singing with the same fervor, it does show that with positive leadership of a concerned high school music director, the mentorship of an exceptional group of adults, the support of parents, and the financial support of organizations such as the OAC, it is possible to reach young people who otherwise may not have had this kind of positive learning experience.
From Cornelius (Akron) on 8/3/2008
	At the moment I am instructing 10 teenagers in a mural project/ beautification program. The project is called The Summer Arts Program, it lasts for 5 weeks and we have 2 weeks left. Pictures have been posted in the Akron Beacon Journal and the kids are really excited. Sometimes they can be very trying,(teenagers) But overall I am really enjoying the experience. I grew up in Ashtabula Ohio and traveled around the US. until I finally settled down in Akron. I operate a Gallery and studio where I paint, draw, sculpt and create various types of art. Drawing and painting makes me happy and I love playing music. It is my goal to attain a MFA, teach art and maintain my gallery. I also use art and the gallery to do community action work, In West Akron, the neighborhood can be pretty rough especially for the children so I open my doors for classes, music and free school supplies, food bags etc.
From Lisa (Ashtabula) on 7/29/2008
	I would like to start by saying that the Ashtabula Arts Center has been an absolute Godsend! Our 7 y/o son has Asperger's syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. He lives in a fantasy world most of the time and while he is highly intelligent he has few if any friends and is very awkward. Except when he is on stage. The theatre is the only place Nathan ever seems truely happy. So I type this with tears in my eyes and much heart felt gratitude for the Ashtabula Arts Center for giving my son a place where he truely feels comfortable in his own skin. He's not judged there. He's accepted for who and what he is, an eccentric , emotional little boy with an intense love of musical theatre. I wish there were programs specific to children with asperger's syndrome in our community i've seen him transform from this strange awkward uncomfortable little person to this confident talented proud young man. I am sure many other children like Nathan could benefit in the same way.Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Lisa R. Lowery
From Garie (Cleveland Heights) on 6/18/2008
	I am writing specifically in regard to the small but vibrant jewel, Heights Arts, that sits in a street front space on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. A regular movie-goer to the Cedar Lee theatre just a few doors down, I can always depend on stopping on my way at the Heights Arts gallery to find a diverse sampling of regional artists' work, with lively openings and events that bring out the troops. Continuing support can allow Heights Arts to grow in its pursuit of creative collaboration, innovative curating, community celebration, and exploration of the new ideas, materials and methods of visual communication. As a Cleveland Heights resident, I applaud Heights Arts and urge continued support of their endeavors.
From Jacob (Warren) on 5/19/2008
	''The Images I create our my curse, my love, and my destiny that keeps me sane, in this insane world.'' There are many ways one can define oneself. For me, it’s with art, and anything dealing with art. According to my Grandfather, I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil. My feeling is that anything I did under the age of five was just scribbles on paper. Nothing art worthy anyway. As a child drawing was my safety net, my escape from the trials of life as a kid. My whole family was painting plaster at one time or another. There was this crafts / plaster store down the street, the whole family or at least mom, my brother, and my aunt, where painting there. My mom and my aunt were teaching basic painting classes there, on the weekend, so that’s where I grew up, in a craft store, in a painting class. In closing: there is none; for this will be left open, in order for me to close this Story, would be like me saying I have nothing left to say as an artist, as a man, and as art student. I’m just getting started!
From Judy (Delphos) on 4/30/2008
	This is a story of a small town in rural Ohio that celebrates a fifty year old tradition each fall - Canal Days. It's the typical amusement rides, fair food, and beer tent. Five years ago, a small group of artists decided to display their artwork in the museum front window. It went over with moderate curiosity & 1 purchase. The following year, we obtained a larger 'gallery', added an opening reception with music - everyone loved it! We featured a local artist who does pen and ink drawings of rural landscapes. The folks knew his familiar face - he was the Fed Ex driver, Vincent Whitehead. By the third year, we exceeded expectations - in size of venue and artwork. A former furniture store allowed us to use their huge Main St. showroom; therefore, we could accept more artwork in various mediums - not only paintings, but sculpture, pottery, woodcarvings, jewelry. That was our first juried and judged exhibit. We had many community sponsors who donated funds for the awards. Opening night reception overflowed with over two humdred people there - abuzz - not from the wine - but with the delight of seeing the fabulous artwork!! We also featured a high school student section which was also judged by a retired art teacher from the area, Pat Rayman. Last year, a large bank offered their lobby for the exhibit - which added a touch of elegance. They were very accomodating - and we have since established an 'Artist of the Month' to have an artist's work highlighting their main wall. The patrons & tellers are happy now. 2008 will be our fifth year for Canal Days Artfest - and we look to expand and add another dimension. We are inviting artisans to set up their booths on a street connecting the Bank to Main Street - an ArtWalk! We will have artists demonstrating their work and a children's tent with face painting, and arts & crafts. Our handful of artists are still pluggin away; but have just now formed a new organization - the Miami Erie Canal Council for the Arts. This was done mainly out of necessity - to offer arts in the community with other events and to involve more of the community. This will not only bring in more folks to help in many ways; but as an outreach to them and finding out the needs of the community. Opening up this new visual art venue has stimulated many people in so many ways - and we hope to continue doing so.
From Ralph (Mansfield) on 4/28/2008
	hard work and dedication has really been my drive in the arts, and it paid off, I have never really won anything in my life, but after entering a few pieces at the Mansfield Art Center and winning the Edward Frey Award at 25 this year. I am indeed happy!
From jane (toledo) on 3/19/2008
	I work at a charter school in Toledo, for at risk students. We had just finished the unit on Native American's when a 1st grade brought a picture to the room to hang up. It was a pre printed velvet poster with markers, that she had colored to hang in the room. Other examples are, one student talked her grandparents into taking her to see the Broadway production of The Lion King that is presently in town, I have had students tell me that they go to the museum for it's Friday and another has asked for a letter of recommendation for a scholarship for classes at the museum. Finally, our older students completed 4 pieces of work about Egypt that are presently on display in an art show at the main branch of the library. This is what teaching is all about!
From Allen (Cincinnati) on 2/19/2008
	I am a native Cincinnatian, who 'returned' to the city in 2002, after serving in the United States Army and travelling abroad extensively. Upon my ‘resettlement’ in Cincinnati, , I 're-entered' the field that I continue to hold a strong commitment and admiration towards (I have recently completed my M.F.A. from the University of Cincinnati), which revolves around the continued viability, visibility and professionalism of visual art. In 2002, I volunteered my time to the Weston Art Gallery (as I believe in their continued mission to support local and regional visual artists in Ohio and the Tri-state area), and was fortunate to be offered a part-time position there in the same year. If it were not for the financial support of the Ohio Art Council, there would be no Weston Art Gallery, which would create a void inconceivable, not only to the local and regional visual artists in Cincinnati, it would be an immeasurable loss for the visual arts in the entire Midwest region. Through the ongoing support of the Ohio Art Council (and generous local patrons), the Weston Art Gallery is able to continue to provide the visibility, viability, and proper professional 'treatment' of emerging, mid-career, and professional visual artists working and living in Cincinnati, the state of Ohio, and the surrounding Tri-State region. I am proud to be currently affiliated and part of a committed professional venue that is the Weston Art Gallery, which thanks to the enduring financial support of the Ohio Art Council, continues to show to the citizens and visitors of Cincinnati that the state of Ohio is steadfast in the dedication,support, and honoring of its vital 'visual' artistic community.
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