The Dallas Contemporary is hosting  “The Art of Teaching: An Evening For Art Teachers” next week.

I’m surprised no one has thought of this deserving idea before. Christian Yazdanpanah, of Me Plus You,  told me about it and asked for help letting teachers know.  It’s a private event,  you must RSVP.

What defines an art teacher? The visual (fine arts, graphic design), performing (music and dance), CTE and vocational (fashion, culinary, architecture, etc.) was how Yazdanpanah describes it.

“So far we have teachers signing up from public, private, charter, after-school programs and even art institutions,” he says.  “If you fancy yourself an art teacher you are welcome!

From the invitation:

We believe that arts education is imperative to cultivating not just 21st century skills but more importantly the socio-emotional health of a student.

We believe that strong arts education is essential to the development of a city and its citizens.

We believe the creative arts community is responsible for celebrating those who are educating future artists.

The purpose of this private event is to recognize and celebra”te the teachers responsible for cultivating the love of the arts in our youth. Join us on March 7th from 5 to 8 pm at the Dallas Contemporary. We will have plenty of ways to relax as you kick off spring break! First, grab some free drinks and hors d’oeuvres while you dance along to the beats of DJ Tony Schwa. Jump in the photo booth of JR’s Inside Out Project and take a free printout home. Watch as the Oak Cliff-based art collective Sour Grapes creates a piece of art, but don’t leave early because we will be raffling their creation along with plenty of other gifts. Mayor Mike Rawlings will share why arts education is critical to the development of the city and the role it has played in his own family.