As lifelong educators, we believe wholeheartedly in the value of continual education and growth, and we see the arts as integral to the development of a whole person from an early age. Through visiting art museums over the years, we have gained a deeper understanding of the role museums play as community resources. The San José Museum of Art (SJMA) is a major, if not the prime, artistic and educational resource for our local community.
We have been members of SJMA since 1995 and are passionate supporters of the Museum’s education programs. We’ve even included SJMA in our will because we believe its role as the largest provider of arts education in Santa Clara County is essential for the future of the South Bay.
For us, SJMA’s programs for school-age children are the fullest expression of the Museum’s educational mission. Not only does the Museum welcome students into its galleries on field trips, but it also reaches out to students in their classrooms and virtually through teaching artist residencies. SJMA’s classroom-based programs are wide-ranging, from multi-week programs that merge artmaking with subjects like math and science, and art history lessons that introduce students to the importance and excitement of learning about the visual arts.
These programs not only inspire children to appreciate art, but they encourage them to think differently about all of their studies. More vitally, SJMA’s arts education programs help develop skills important in life and in all areas of academic learning—collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Without outlets for curiosity and imagination, we can only see things from a single narrow perspective. By engaging its audiences not as passive visitors, but as active participants, SJMA expands individual thinking beyond restricted boundaries and fosters empathy and connection with others.
SJMA uses the power of art to transform society. We sincerely hope you will join us in ensuring the continued existence of this precious community resource by making a gift that is personally meaningful to you. Your support will help SJMA inspire learners of all ages for generations to come.
From left: Emilio Banuelos, senior studio artist educator; Daphne and Stuart Wells; and Jeff Bordona, director of education photographed at Mt. Pleasant STEAM Academy, 2016.
PS: There are many ways to give online! If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Kwong at jkwong@sjmusart.org or 408.291.5376.
