Thanks to funding from the Washington State Arts Commission through an arts integration grant, the North Central Educational District interviewed nine artists from around the North Central Washington region about their paths to becoming artists, how art can be meaningfully integrated into all school subjects, and additional advice for students and educators. Learn more about what Arts Integration is in our blog post.
Music: Mary Jensen
Mary Jensen is Principal Flutist of Symphony Tacoma, Olympia Symphony Orchestra, Tacoma City Ballet Orchestra, and is Principal Flutist and Artist-in-Residence of the Lake Chelan Bach Festival. Mary maintains a private studio in Tacoma, where she also is a flute and chamber music coach for the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association and is on the faculty of the Evergreen Music Festival. As a sought-after adjudicator, clinician, and Masterclass presenter, Mary has recently taught Masterclasses for NAfME All-National and All-Eastern Honor Groups, Pacific Lutheran University and Tacoma Youth Symphony.
Painting and Poetry: Martha Flores
Born in Santa Ana, El Salvador, Martha Flores immigrated to California in 1962 where she enrolled at California State University and received both a Masters in Fine Arts and a Masters in Psychology. Aside from many accomplishments in the arts spanning a variety of mediums, Martha Flores worked as a mental health counselor for 30 years. Flores has called Wenatchee, Washington her home since December 1992, where she displays and teaches art across the valley.
Storytelling: Dan Nanamkin
Dan Nanamkin (Thunder & Lightning) grew up on the Colville Indian Reservation. During his upbringing he experienced great blessings in storytelling, language, spiritual teachings, ceremonies and traditional songs and knowledge passed to him from a very early age by his elders. Through his adult life he has served the youth and communities as a community events director, prevention programs coordinator, cultural educator, health and wellness instructor and through selfless community service.