Mandy Shefman, Engagement Manager for Arts for Learning San Diego (left) with Maria and Dennis Fipps (second from left and far right) and Arts for Learning San Diego board member Miles Fleming
Carrie Ann Fipps in motion
Mandy Shefman, Engagement Manager for Arts for Learning San Diego (A4LSD), was our speaker for the February 1, 2018 meeting. She began by asking members whether they were artists, and if there were any arts that members wished that they had learned as children. Learning a musical instrument, dance, and painting were common wished-for skills.
Despite numerous studies that support the value of arts education in terms of reducing the rate of dropouts, alcohol and drug use, and delinquency, funding for art programs is constantly at risk for cuts. Even in San Diego, funding for arts program faces a 31% cut. Meanwhile, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education is often emphasized as an important means for later success, but A4LSD advocates we instead refer to STEAM, where the “A” highlights the value of arts education in producing well-rounded students.
Founded over 50 years ago and now based in City Heights, as an affiliate of the Young Audiences Arts for Learning network, A4LSD partners with over 200 local performing artists practicing in visual arts, poetry, music, theater, and dance who provide assemblies, workshops, and family events to expose children a broad range of art. A4LSD also provides funding for artist residencies and professional development for local teachers.
One of A4LSD’s largest partnerships is with San Diego Unified School District’s Learning Through the Arts Initiative. This program helps teachers at Title 1 schools, which largely serve economically disadvantaged students, integrate arts education into their classroom to enhance engagement and increase parental involvement that together can improve academic achievements. In the past few years, A4LSD has seen significant growth in the numbers of children served (now nearly 76,800 children- an increase of 35% since 2014), artists participating, and programs offered (now 1,710, up from 1,563 in AY 2015-16).
Ms. Shefman introduced Dennis (brother of our President-Elect Don Fipps) and Maria Fipps, who are involved in one of many A4LSD partnerships. Dennis and Maria are the parents of Carrie Ann Fipps. By age 4, Carrie Ann showed a flair for dance, and she was a founding member of the dance troupe City Moves. Sadly, Carrie Ann passed away at the age of 15 after a battle with leukemia. In her memory, the Fipps established the Carrie Ann Fipps Memorial Scholarship, in partnership with A4LSD. Every year in May young dancers participate in a group audition and a panel of judges composed of a member of the Fipps family, as well as dance teachers and choreographers awards $1,000 to one student to fund one year of dance lessons. Several winners have since gone on to pursue careers in dance.
We thank member Miles Fleming, who is also a member of the A4LSD Board, for arranging to have Ms. Shefman present to our club.