June 2018 News


Farewell

Looking back at the past two years, I am astounded at how much has happened in such a short time. Never before have I been a part of such a truly collaborative initiative. The Missoula community is something special, and I know that this collective impact for arts education would be difficult to duplicate elsewhere, yet I fully believe that efforts should be made to duplicate in as many places as possible!

As I make the bittersweet journey on to new adventures, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who is a part of SPARK! To each teacher, administrator, artist, organization, donor, business, committee member, parent, and student--you have ignited my creativity and energy again and again. It has been a great honor to work with all of you, and I will carry so many lessons and sparks of joy with me.

Being the Director of SPARK! taught me many things, a few of which I would like to share in parting:
  • Very little kids can grasp very big concepts when art is involved.
  • People are immensely generous when they are passionate about something; I've been continually in awe of the time busy people are willing to donate.
  • Visual arts are amazing for teaching problem solving skills.
  • A day should never be without some music and some dance.
  • Theatre rules can almost always be applied to life.
  • Solid data is important, but seeing the spark in a child's eyes for oneself is better.
My next role will be teaching Theatre Arts and Drama Integration at an international school in Salvador, Brazil. I am looking forward to being in the classroom with students again, and I am excited to be immersed in a new culture, but I will certainly miss all that is SPARK! and the wonderfully unique culture of Missoula. I am confident that SPARK! will thrive under Sienna Solberg's leadership, and you can count on me to continue to support equitable access to arts education wherever I happen to be in the world.

It has been an absolute delight to work with the fine staff of Arts Missoula.
Muito obrigada to all who have shared in this journey with me.

With Love and Gratitude,
Jackalynn Snow

Welcome Sienna!

Sienna Solberg is our new Exceutive Director of SPARK! Arts Ignite Learning as of June 1st.  Most recently Solberg has served as Outreach Specialist and Youth Development Coordinator for the Missoula Flagship Program, and before then as a Behavior Specialist at Washington Middle School.  She holds a BA in psychology with a minor in studio fine arts from the University of Montana. In the past decade she has collaborated with numerous community agencies, designed and implemented fundraising and community awareness events, coordinated afterschool programs, organized trainings and professional development, and has served on the Friends of Flagship advisory board.  She takes over this position from Jackalynn Snow, who is moving with her family to Salvador, Brazil, to teach drama at an International School. 
If you would like more information, please call (406)-541-0860
"Supaman" & Whizpops FREE Concert at  The Wilma
Thursday, June 28th, 7pm
Don't miss a Free Concert by the Whizpops and  "Supaman", Native American dancer and hip-hop artist, June 28th, 7pm at the Wilma - associated with the 
Montana Arts Integration Conference.  Website!

Downtown Tonight with Arts Missoula & SPARK! 
at Caras Park
Thursday, June 28th, 5:30pm

SPARK! and Arts Missoula will be at Downtown Tonight at 5:30pm hosted by the Missoula Downtown Association. Come join SPARK! to make fun Theatre Masks and enjoy food, beverage and live music by "Best of Missoula Bands" at Caras Park.  Website!

Other News:


Thank you!

As the 2017-2018 school year comes to a close we would like to thank Missoula County Public Schools, Teaching Artists, Donors, Teachers, Parents, Students and all of our supporters for their hard work and dedication to this program. We are excited to see what next school year has in store!

In 2017-2018, SPARK! Provided:
● 89 Arts Integrated Residencies in over 250 classrooms at 9 Elementary Schools, 3 Middle Schools, and 4 High Schools
● Arts Enhancements for all grade levels K-8
● 39 local teaching artists and arts organizations

Visit our SPARK! website anytime for information.


ZACC's 10th Birthday and 7th Annual Northside-Westside Block Party

Saturday, July 21st, 3pm- 9pm
Join Zootown Arts Community Center in celebrating their 10th Birthday at the Northside-Westside Block Party. The afternoon will include art, music, beer, food and cake!  Website!



Share your SPARK! for the Arts:

Are you interested in sharing with us what has drawn you to the art world? Please share your "SPARK! for the Arts" story on our website, HERE! We will post these to our "News" section once we hear from you.

SPARK! Arts Ignite Learning | (406) 531-1981 | Email | Website