Edmond Life and Leisure - June 5, 2025

From the Publisher

EFA celebrates 40 years of service

Edmond Fine Arts (EFA) celebrated 40 years of providing creativity to the community last month with over four hundred friends, artists, supporters, and community members with a one-of-a-kind dinner party they called Kaleidoscope. It was an outdoor dinner party, and its purpose was to honor the organizations four decades of commitment to foster artistic expression and expanding the arts, especially in education.

Edmond Fine Arts is a financially sound and well-respected nonprofit organization. Strong partnerships, expanding cultural programming and strong enrollment continue. Led by an outstanding board of directors of Edmond’s finest leaders, a talented and certified faculty, and dedicated staff, the EFA looks to the future to continue to provide cultural enrichment for our community. We just cannot say enough about the staff.

They are incredible.

It has been our privilege and honor to partner with this great organization since our first publication appeared 25 years ago. The former and first executive director of EFA, Mitzi Hancuff, jumped up to support Edmond Life & Leisure when we started. Even retired, Hancuff is still a strong supporter of this newspaper. She stood up for us during the difficult start up years for us and along with her late husband, Carl Hancuff, are responsible for us being here 25 years later. Its current executive director, Shannon Price, has been equally supportive of our newspaper and we appreciate her and the team at EFA so much.

EFA celebrated 40 years of enriching the Edmond community through the arts. Since its founding in 1985, EFA has served as a cornerstone for creativity, education, and cultural engagement, offering visual and performing arts classes, workshops, exhibitions, and public art initiatives that have inspired generations.

For four decades, EFA has provided quality art education for all ages, offering diverse programs in painting, ceramics, mixed media, chorus, theater, and more. The organization has also been instrumental in furthering the arts in Edmond, leading public art projects, such as the Art in Schools Program with Edmond Public Schools, community art events, and more. Additionally, EFA has played a vital role in making the arts accessible through scholarships, outreach programs, and collaborations, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of creativity.

You probably have been seeing them in the news more lately because of the exciting future they are facing. The organization is expanding its mission with a remodel of the location in Downtown Edmond and a new building anchoring The Uncommon Ground Sculpture Park coming to east Edmond. Over the past decade, EFA has seen a 90% increase in enrollment, reflecting its commitment to quality art education. The art nonprofit offers over 60 hours of arts education weekly and free community programming

The Importance of Art in Education

Art has always been a fundamental aspect of human culture and expression. From ancient cave

paintings to modern digital art, it has played a crucial role in shaping societies and individuals. In the realm of education, art holds a unique and indispensable position. Integrating art into the educational system is not merely about fostering creativity; it is about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can think critically, empathize deeply, and innovate boldly. EFA has stepped in over the years to augment and lead programs for keeping art in our educational system. The fundraising and support over the years from folks has made it possible.

One of the most significant benefits of incorporating art into education is the enhancement of cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that engaging in artistic activities stimulates brain function and improves memory, concentration, and critical thinking skills. When students participate in drawing, painting, or sculpting, they are not just creating; they are also learning to observe, analyze, and interpret the world around them. This process of observation and interpretation is crucial for developing critical thinking skills, which are essential in all areas of learning.

Art education also plays a vital role in fostering emotional intelligence. Through art, students learn to express their feelings and emotions in a constructive manner. This expression helps them understand and manage their emotions better, leading to improved emotional well-being. Moreover, art encourages empathy by allowing students to explore different perspectives and experiences. When students create or study art, they often delve into the emotions and thoughts of the artist, which helps them develop a deeper understanding of human experiences and emotions.

In our globalized world, cultural awareness and sensitivity are more important than ever. Art education provides an excellent platform for students to explore and appreciate diverse cultures. By studying art from different parts of the world, students gain insights into various cultural practices, beliefs, and histories. This exposure fosters respect and appreciation, which is crucial for building harmony in our community. Creating art inspired by different cultures allows students to connect with their own heritage and identity, promoting a sense of belonging.

Innovation and creativity are the driving forces behind progress and development. Art education nurtures these qualities by encouraging students to think creatively and explore new ideas. In the classes at EFA, students are often given the freedom to experiment and take risks, which fosters a mindset of innovation. This creative thinking is not limited to artistic endeavors; it spills over into other areas of learning and problem-solving. Students who are trained to think creatively are better equipped to tackle challenges and come up with innovative solutions in various fields.

Contrary to the misconception that art is a distraction from academic subjects, research has shown that art education can improve academic performance. Engaging in artistic activities enhances cognitive abilities, which in turn positively impacts learning in subjects like mathematics, science, and language arts. For instance, the skills developed through drawing and painting, such as spatial awareness and fine motor skills, are directly applicable to geometry and handwriting. Additionally, the creativity and critical thinking fostered by art education contribute to better problem-solving and analytical skills, which are essential for academic success.

Art education is also instrumental in building confidence and self-esteem. When students create art, they experience a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. This positive reinforcement boosts their self-confidence and encourages them to take on new challenges. Moreover, art provides a safe space for students to express themselves without fear of judgment. This freedom of expression helps students develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth, which is crucial for their overall development and well-being.

The importance of art in education and our student’s life cannot be overstated. EFA’s role in this has been tremendous. It enhances cognitive abilities, fosters emotional intelligence, promotes cultural awareness, encourages innovation and creativity, improves academic performance, and builds confidence and self-esteem. Integrating art into the educational system is not just about nurturing artists; it is about nurturing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.

Forgive my preaching but I am a guy who was thrown out of my seventh-grade art class and sent to the debate teacher to deal with. I am still friends with her but have lost track of the art instructor. Go figure? I love art but got through my advertising layout class by drawing stick figures. Even so, I believe in the power of art in our young people’s growth and education. It makes such a big difference, and the evidence is overwhelming. I can also tell you that the EFA are terrific stewards of your donated dollars. If you have supported them over the last 40 years, thank you and please continue. If you are looking to donate to something that is a giant plus here in Edmond, please go to their website and help for the next 40 years. It is www.edmondfinearts.com

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)