Get Inspired: Interview with Angela Hartvigsen

How did you become involved in arts education?

I’ve had amazing models in arts education all my life. Both of my parents were music educators in the Sarasota County Schools; going into music education seemed like the natural path for me. It wasn’t until I’d been teaching music on my own for a few years, however, that I really discovered that sharing a love of music and respect for true artistry was my passion. Now, as Fine Arts Program Specialist for the school district, I am happy to support all of our schools’ talented arts educators and their programs.

Why is arts education important?

The arts are powerful modes of self-expression, but also the window into our culture and humanity. Students gain insight into what forces in history or culture had a hand in shaping that art. Additionally, the arts develop many non-arts-specific skills that are highly sought after in the career realm and in society: creativity, now considered the number one attribute prospective employers seek in an applicant; confidence, perseverance, collaboration and decision-making. Focus and confidence are strengthened for students in all areas of the arts. Lastly, the arts bring joy to the students participating in them and to all who hear, see and experience their work. 

What is EdExploreSRQ? How did it begin and what do you see in the future? 

EdExploreSRQ is a resource for Sarasota County teachers, principals and parents to identify and learn about experiential learning opportunities available in our area. Featuring hundreds of offerings by local non-profits and individual teaching artists, each EdExploreSRQ “exploration” is reviewed to ensure connections to educational standards. Educators at all grade levels not only expand and enrich their classrooms, they also increase student awareness and access to local arts, cultural and scientific resources. EdExploreSRQ is also a valuable resource for parents seeking to identify unique learning experiences outside the classroom for their children.

Since being adopted by the district in 2011, the number of EdExplore providers grew from 25 to over 65 and the number of Explorations offered has increased from 50 to over 250, with new explorations being added all the time. My hope is that we will continue to add Explorations in some of the subjects currently less served on the site.

The Patterson Foundation was instrumental in the creation of EdExploreSRQ and it is through their continuing partnership and the support and collaboration of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Education Foundation of Sarasota County, the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County and the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida that the project continues to flourish and make an impact. The Sarasota County Schools maintain and manage the EdExploreSRQ.com website and the Community Partnership Team. I serve as the point person for management of the website and Sue Meckler is the chair of our Community Partnership Team.

What some of your favorite EdExploreSRQ moments? 

Since the Explorations listed on EdExplore could all be described as Experiential Learning, there are too many moments to pick out just one! We have managed to document many of these Explorations in action and to see students gazing up at the ceiling of the Riverview Planetarium or sorting through sea life just caught on the Carefree Learner boat helps me understand why I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished through EdExploreSRQ. In 2016, over 106,000 students were able to participate in EdExplore Explorations thanks to our foundational partners and passionate partners. Through EdExploreSRQ, students have seen plays and ballets, visited museums and Patriot Plaza, learned about the music of the Civil Rights Movement, built a hovercraft and much more. So, I guess my favorite EdExplore moment is that moment when I see learning come to life in their eyes and know that educational spark has been lit.