Here’s an excerpt from the press release. Click the link for more info.

The Asheville City Schools Foundation, LEAF in Schools & Streets and UNC-Asheville are teaming up again to expand the availability of arts experiences in our schools. TAPAS is aimed towards training craft, visual and performing artists in our local community to work in Asheville City schools. We are happy to report the inaugural TAPAS graduates for 2010-2011 school year exceeded our goal of 60 days of residencies.
 
“The TAPAS program fills a unique need in our schools and makes learning more accessible to all students, increasing student self-expression and involvement in their learning experience. The participation of our local artists and partners makes our schools as vibrant and creative as the Asheville community. ” Kate Pett, Co-Director Asheville City Schools Foundation
 
“This true community collaboration brings together three organizations that truly understand and are committed to the importance of integrated arts learning within our school days. We strive to employ local artists committed to enriching the K-12 curriculum by working closely with teachers and parents to present top-notch arts programming. This work is supported by an amazing amount of national research that proves the arts cannot be lost in our schools and must be seen as an integral part of every student’s experience.” Brent Skidmore, UNC-Asheville, Director of Craft Studies

“This powerful partnership and innovative program exceeded its goal of bringing 60 days of artist residences to students during the 2010-2011 school year. We had several, high quality residencies with LOCAL artists in our LOCAL schools for the inaugural class of TAPAS artists. TAPAS has helped transform the environment for learning in our classrooms with rich, interactive and creative educational experiences that reflect the artistic vibe of our mountain community.” Loraine Martin, LEAF in Schools & Streets Director
 
“This project created the opportunity for students to work together, have critical discussions about a specific time period in history, and also talk about aesthetics and how to communicate something visually.  They each got their hands dirty, and seemed to enjoy the process of physically making the work.  It was powerful to witness the growth that occurred at the close of the final session.” Ginger Huebner, TAPAS 2010-2011 visual artist
 
The Asheville City Schools (ACS) Foundation awards teacher grants and fellowships to teachers in the Asheville City Schools to ensure that our public schools remain fresh exciting places that match the excellence in our community. This program will train local artists to work side-by-side with classroom teachers.