MISSION - Education in public schools
of California to reestablish Art as a prerequisite
not an option, inclusive at all levels and grades.
The continual decline in our cultural
bonds within communities stretching from Oregon to Mexico, can be
traced in part to the lack of attention on the Arts in public
education. Studies have conclusively provided the statistical
information that students with an art education are better students
overall.
Arts in Education enhances the
abilities of learning from a very early age. It provides a sensitive
relationship for our youth regardless of the form of Art.
Reading, writing, communicating,
observing, being inspired by, creativity in action, the list is
endless.
QUESTION- Why or How has this
unintended education-cultural (Fine Arts) tool been allowed to
erode? The Arts has many detractors. However, modern electronics has
changed the vision and priorities of the world. Choices of so-called
art and entertainment are so numerous they are without number.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RESTORE?— The
classic arts will be with us always. If you can accept this last
statement as legitimate and true then the work of this foundation
has begun
HOW CAN IT BE RESTORED?— When artists
from every field of art, when educators and political entities,
local and state, feel that the general public is willing to
subscribe to Arts in Education or Education in the Arts, this effort
will have taken a major step forward.
Carol Channing has joined with the
largest University in the world. Chancellor Dr. Charles Reed, of the
California State Universities, has provide access to the 23
university campuses located throughout the length and breath of
California. Dr. Channing has volunteered to establish a scholarship
at each school. She has agreed to provide a full length performance
with university and/or high school students. Most of all, her desire
is to teach and lecture the master classes. She feels that most
importantly the general public be invited at little or no cost to
witness the interplay, fascination and excitement generated between
the master artist and the students.
Her dream is to come up with a
support program which ensures that young students who show an
aptitude for the arts have a college scholarship to help them build
on those talents.
Carol Channing, famed actress, singer
and Broadway star known as the “first lady of musical comedy,” is
serious about the next phase of her long career that will be devoted
to the arts in education. “Receiving the doctorate honor
precipitated a deep interest in projecting that into a meaningful
program through which I could elevate the arts in California, “
Carol said, “ "Our school children are the ones who will carry on
and reinvigorate California’s fine and performing arts tradition."
A name that brings instant
recognition worldwide. Ms Channing was the recipient of the 1995
Lifetime Achievement Tony Award, a stage career that has made her a
star of international acclaim since her performance as Lorelei Lee
in "Gentleman Prefer Blondes." The three time Tony, Golden Globe and
Emmy award winning and Oscar nominated comedienne will forever be
endeared to the hearts of audiences everywhere for a record breaking
5,000 performances as the irrepressible Dolly Levy in "Hello Dolly!"
without missing a single performance.
The octogenarian continues to
enjoying a highly active schedule and with her new highly applauded
one-woman show, entitled "The First Eighty Years are the Hardest."
Known for her humor, spirited warmth
and good looks at the age of 85, Carol still delights in performing
and making audiences laugh. She and her husband, Harry Kullijian,
have launched a statewide, and what they hope will eventually become
a national campaign, in support of fine and performing arts programs
in the public schools system.
Kullijian said a number of other
celebrities also have indicated an interest in joining a campaign to
promote the arts. “We want to bring attention to other artists that
they must get involved with the university systems to build more
support for the fine and performing arts,” Kullijian said.
“Hopefully, and ultimately, the children in grade schools and
teenagers in high schools will be provided with the incentives to
refocus on the fine arts through the influence of university
communities” and the public who supports them.
Donations
may be sent to the
Channing - Kullijian Foundation. (Tax Deductible)
P.O. Box 990
Los Altos, CA 94023-0990