FINE ARTS VISION & MISSION

Vision
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, in its commitment to educating the whole child, embraces the belief that “the fine arts are among humanity’s greatest aesthetic and intellectual achievements” (Maryland Essential Learner Outcomes for Fine Arts) and need to be integrated in students’ programs throughout their education. Our vision is to increase the access, equity and quality of arts education in Queen Anne's County.

Mission
The Fine Arts Program (visual arts, music, theatre, media arts and dance) in Queen Anne’s County is designed to foster creative potential in each student and provide a high quality, sequential program of studies which communicates a broad range of customs, beliefs, ideas and feelings. The fine arts are the primary means of transmitting culture throughout history, influencing a broad range of discovery and 21st Century skills in various disciplines. The fine arts are an essential part of every child’s learning and cognitive development, sharpening analytical skills, encouraging abstract associations, innovative thinking, and creative problem solving.  

Planning Guidance during COVID-19

Supervisor Bell has been working with other Fine Arts State Supervisors to provide guidance documents for the state, in addition to over 130 hours of professional development opportunities and virtual town halls this summer. Social Emotional Learning opportunities have also been made available through the Arts that align with MSDE Fine Arts Standards, Professional Learning Priorities and Arts Experiences. Please view our "Arts Together" guidance and our "SEL Through the Arts" documents here: https://www.msdefinearts.org/statewide-arts-resources

Maryland State Fine Arts Graduation Requirement—1 Credit

Read an interview with Michael Bell on QACPS's fine arts programs by clicking here. 
View our Supervisor's exciting new "Arts Teen of the Week" Spotlight features here!

The 1st Annual Faculty Art Show has been postponed due to COVID-19. New date TBD.

See the outstanding work of our Art Teachers! Thank you to the Queen Anne's County Arts Council and our great partnership with Mr. Rick Strittmater for making this exhibition opportunity possible.

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Important COVID-19 Message from Supervisor Michael Bell to the Arts Community:
CENTREVILLE — Friday, April 17, on the anniversary of “The Best of Maryland Arts Education Festival,” which is only happening virtually, QACPS dropped this inspiring video to share with the world, and with our communities using the hashtags #BOMAEF and #MDArtsUnite, announced Michael Bell, arts supervisor for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools.

The video showcases just a small sample of the outstanding artwork that was to be showcased at the second annual ArtScene Shows originally scheduled to kick off next week PK-12 at both high schools, Bell said.

“Both historic shows are now ‘on hold’ due to COVID-19, but creativity is still thriving,” he said. “In addition, the video highlights some of our student musicians, dancers, singers and actors of all ages across the entire district. Danah Koch, a 2015 Queen Anne’s County High graduate performed the background cover lyrics virtually for us too. What a very special tribute to ‘Times Like These…’

“While life often separates meaning from emotions, it’s often ART that unites these worlds. It’s ART that becomes the vehicle to drive inspiring stories like these, and it’s ART that helps keep us all connected and empathetic. Keep working artists. Keep thriving. We’re taking your lead ... and we look forward to more of everyone’s new creations.” - Michael Bell

From MSDE: Fine Arts Guidance for Continuity of Learning Standards

Visual Arts teachers all have access to ArtEdPRO as an online Curriculum Resource.
Performing Arts teachers all have access to Quaver as an online Curriculum Resource.

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Additional Links & Citations:

• Maryland State Fine Arts Standards: https://www.msdefinearts.org/maryland-fine-arts-standards
• National Core Arts Standards: https://www.nationalartsstandards.org/

Contact: Michael Bell, NBCT
Supervisor of Instruction
Visual and Performing Arts / World Languages / Media

Queen Anne's County Public Schools
202 Chesterfield Ave. Centreville, Maryland 21617 
Office: 410.758.2403 #138
Email: michael.bell@qacps.org