JACKSON — Karen Blenner, art teacher at Howard C. Johnson Elementary School, has been recognized by Artsonia — an online children’s art museum — for outstanding leadership in the area of arts education at her school.
The school’s online art gallery, www.artsonia. com/schools/howard6, ranks No. 5 in the state and No. 26 in the nation, according to Artsonia.
According to a press release, the Leadership Award presented to Blenner honors teachers who go beyond the classroom walls to encourage family and community involvement in arts education. The award also recognizes significant achievement in the area of technology integration within the school arts program. State and nationwide rankings are based on specific criteria, which demonstrate both aspects of the Leadership Award.
While teachers in more than 100 countries showcase their student artwork on Artsonia, Blenner has created a school community deserving of recognition, according to the press release.
During the 2007-08 school year, the Johnson school gallery showcased 5,343 pieces of artwork. This collection of art has been visited more than 61,841 times and has received 1,133 comments from friends and family members.
“Artsonia is a simple yet effective way to get parents and family members more involved in art education, and my students love it,” Blenner said.
In addition to viewing the artwork, family members can purchase keepsakes imprinted with the child’s artwork, with Artsonia donating 15 percent of its annual product revenue back to the school art program. This year, the art program raised $534.17.
Headquartered in Gurnee, Ill., Artsonia is an online children’s art museum providing free, educational resources for children, families and schools. Founded in 2000, Artsonia continues to integrate technology in the classroom, develop multicultural understanding through art and increase family involvement in children’s education. To find out more, visit www.artsonia.com.