April 9 2013 Shaunna Schelin Kowalewski - -Arts Express

Posted by Diane Ventura-Goodyear 
 
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 The mission of Arts Express is to change lives and build a better community by creating opportunities for children and adults to learn and experience the a power of the arts.

Arts Express has a rich heritage, leading back to its founding in 1985, its incorporation in 1998 and its recognition as a 501(c)3 in 1999.

Arts Express honors our troops at events like A Hero's Salute and Let Freedom Sing. So, we just have to applaud our military men that did this remake of "Call me Maybe." Well done guys!		  
 

 
 Joan Ashcraft, DMA, Co-Artistic Director
Dr. Joan Ashcraft serves as Director of Fine and Performing Arts/OMA for the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) in Tucson, Arizona.  Dr. Ashcraft created the Fine Arts Summer Institute for Teachers and Artists, the Fine Arts Youth Academy (FAYA), and the Project Shine after school arts and literacy instruction for students. Her tenure in TUSD spans 35 years.
Dr. Ashcraft is the co-founder of Opening Minds through the Arts (OMA), a nationally recognized research-based arts integration program for students in grades K-8.  She has received numerous awards and was most recently  named the 2010 Alumnus of the Year Award for the UA College of Fine Arts.
Dr. Ashcraft is committed to developing collaborative partnerships to assure the presence of arts programs in Arizona schools.
David Ashcraft, DMA , Co-Artistic DirectorFor 33 years, David Ashcraft held the position of Choral Director at Sahuaro High School in the Tucson Unified School District. A native and life-long resident of Tucson, he attended the Tucson Public Schools and graduated with three degrees in music from The University of Arizona, most recently the Doctor of Musical Arts degree.
In addition to conducting honor choirs and community choruses, Dr. Ashcraft has prepared ensembles for performance with renowned symphony conductors and Grammy Award winning artists.  As a freelance writer and editor, his articles have appeared in several newspapers, newsletters and journals. Dr. Ashcraft is also a music arranger and composer.  He has presided over the Arizona Music Educators Association and the Arizona Alliance for Arts Education, and assisted in the formulation and shaping of the local, state and national music standards.
Dr. Ashcraft has always been dedicated to preparing others for life-long involvement in the arts.
Karen F. Wiese, Executive Director
Karen Wiese is a seasoned professional with 26 years experience in organizational management and consulting. She has valuable lessons to share, by having “been there – done that” in all stages of company development from start-up to expansion, merger, acquisition and sale.  Throughout her career, Karen has excelled at seeing the big picture, identifying how components fit together and outlining the detail needed to achieve company goals.  Karen is an accomplished public speaker and has been a guest lecturer at the University of Arizona in the medical school & business departments.  Karen holds an MBA with High Honors with a concentration in Management and Statistics from the University of Tennessee.
Karen is active in promoting the arts in Southern Arizona, volunteering her time with local theatre and choral groups.

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