Bridging the Gap

As the last notes of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson” faded, something unusual occurred--a smile broke out on 8-year-old Aadel Lodhi’s face.

Aadel and the other 107 developmentally disabled students at Mark Twain Special School in Garden Grove were treated to two hours of songs, skits and dance, an event that takes place each week as part of an innovative program at UC Irvine called ArtsBridge.

The year-old endeavor, started to bring the arts back to public schools where programs had suffered from budget cuts, was founded by Jill Beck, dean of UCI’s School of the Arts.

“The California economy depends more and more on the arts and technology, but children don’t have that in public education,” she said.

Since the program started in March 1996, more than 60 UCI students in the arts have signed up, including 23 this quarter.

Beck thinks this is the only program of its kind in the nation because students must submit detailed lesson plans on how they intend to educate the students.

Those hosting ArtsBridge “scholars” range from elementary and high schools to special schools like Mark Twain and pediatric patients at the UCI Medical Center.

“Just getting a response from these kids, like a smile, wave or laugh, that’s rewarding,” said Jason Gurvitz, a senior drama student, who visits Mark Twain each week.

Along with his partner, Jennifer Mankin, a junior drama major, they abound with energy as they perform.

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Their efforts have been greatly appreciated.

“They’re wonderful, and it’s a great opportunity for our kids to be exposed to literature and reading,” said Virginia Ramos, principal of Mark Twain. “The chances of the kids getting out are rare, so the arts are being brought to us.”

Parents also were excited to see the pair perform for their children.

“I am so happy and grateful,” said Aadel’s mother, Zoe Lodhi. “He just comes alive, laughing and interacting” she said, in a way he never had before.

To hear about the impact her students have had brings a smile to Beck’s face as well.

Beck said she wanted to start a program that would solve the lack of art education in grades kindergarten through 12, because many schools in the last 10 years have lost their entire programs to budget cuts.

“The arts are the first to go because they have always been seen as extra-curricular and a luxury,” Beck said.

Funding for the program, which costs about $90,000 a year, comes from private sponsors, including Disneyland and Toyota.

Each UCI student participating receives a $1,000 scholarship per quarter, but the experience they get is worth much more.

“Not only are these scholars helping the students of California, but they are preparing themselves for their careers as well,” said Beck.

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The scholars spend one or two days a week visiting classrooms to teach subjects ranging from photography to dance to painting. A group of fourth graders learned photography using disposable cameras. Pediatric patients at the UCI Medical Center created masks and painted a mural with the guidance of ArtsBridge teachers.

“I really like this program because of the creativity that I’m allowed to have,” said Anh Chau, a studio art student. “I love doing art and making other people appreciate it.”

Lisa Hillman, a child life specialist at UCI Medical Center, is one of those who appreciate Chau’s help.

“We have no money for art supplies and toys, let alone hiring someone to come and teach the kids,” Hillman said. “The kids just love it, and it gives them good memories about their stay in the hospital rather than bad ones.”