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"Never hide your talent"

   “As in years past, this exhibit and competition would not have been possible without the support of the National Arts Program Foundation and our City M.E.R.I.T.S. program. Through their assistance, City Artworks artists of all ages and abilities have an opportunity to receive cash prizes, ribbons of recognition and art class scholarships. It is important to note that a number of these artists have gone on to showcase their talent online through the National Arts Program’s Interactive Gallery at www.nationalartsprogram.org.”

Mary-Stewart Droege, Chairperson Orlando City ARTWORKS Committee Orlando, FL, June 2008

   “Once again this was a wonderful event. Smiles all around! Lots more children participating and attending awards ceremony this year as well, which everyone loved! The staff reaction was outstanding. The reception just had everyone grinning from ear to ear! Everyone commented on what a morale booster the event is. This was especially significant as our staff morale is somewhat low at the moment. It was also wonderful for everyone to meet and interact with staff from so many different areas and departments of the hospital. It is one of the most inclusive and diverse events we put on here. Another fabulous benefit again was seeing how positively the patients reacted to the event and to seeing the staff’s work. It allowed them to see the staff in a whole new light and appreciate them more as well. And again the level of talent and creativity among our staff is amazing! Thanks again!”

Sally Denman, Artist Facilitator Arts in Mental Health Program Napa State Hospital, CA, June 2008

   “This year’s event was truly amazing – about 50 more works of art and in general a wonderful event – it has the employees looking forward to next year’s art exhibition. The hustle and bustle of the opening week truly brings a magic to the Hospital and transforms everyone. It is quite unexplainable. The support of the Administration is an important part of the process and I’m sure that without your involvement the event would not have grown and taken on the professional proportions that it has reached. The Judges were quite impressed with the quality of the work and the engagement of the staff. Other employee exhibition programs have grown out of this positive experience.”

Maria Regina Lupo, MRA-ATR Registered Art Therapist - Creative Art Therapies Coordinator, Atlantic Integrative Medicine Atlantic Health, NJ, June 2008

  "This is my 7th year working with the program. It gets better every year. There is great pleasure in watching the children progress year after year. Each year new people enter and some past entrants don't, making for a fresh and vital mix of work and always an interesting exhibit.
  
  For example, this year Linda Brazaitis, Parks & Recreation, for the second year won second place in the amateur classification."

Libby Reid, Arts Coordinator, Union County Division of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Union, NJ, June 2007

  "When I first discovered The National Arts Program Foundation about five years ago, I couldn't believe it. I kept wondering what the catch was and when I'd have to fill out some tedious application. The NAP staff has been great to work with - VERY ENCOURAGING. We've had great fun bringing the program to Orange County and introducing it to other governmental agencies in the Orlando area.
  
  It has been a bridge between our work lives and our home lives. This year's Employee Chair first entered a photograph a few years ago and won a prize. Next he involved his kids in creating some works of art and in volunteering. Now he's heading up the program. Our Mayor's wife and a Commissioner's spouse have served as the Honorary Co-Chairs on the "family" side for the last few years and it is now something that people look forward to each year.
  
  Last year one spouse of an employee won a first place ribbon and from that got the courage to pursue being an artist full-time. Since then she has had a show of her own in town and pieces in other exhibitions as well.
  
  THANK YOU NAP for providing the impetus and means to have this great employee program in Orange County!"

Terry Olson, Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs, Orlando, FL, June 2007

  "The National Arts Program does what cities hope to do at their best ... create community through honoring the individual, bringing them together and celebrating who we are as a whole! The breath of artistic expression in this exhibition is so exciting and the range of expertise is unique. One artist noted that it is great to have young artists showing their work next to professional artists. This sort of experience at a young age can have a great impact and is very encouraging.
  
  Each year I coordinate this exhibition and competition I am rewarded with such rich experiences. This year an elementary school teacher, Laurie Burkhart, brought in 22 of her students' work. Those students are so fortunate to have a teacher who cares about providing creative experiences and making the extra effort to give them the experience of sharing that work. Quite a few of the students were awarded scholarships and they were thrilled. Another young artist who won second place was surrounded by 7-10 family members at the reception. It was heart warming to see their joy and support for her accomplishments and the very proud expression on her face!
  
  I thank the National Arts Program Foundation for providing these very simple but valuable experiences to so many people across the country. It really does matter."

Vicky Kumpfer, Arts Coordinator, Santa Rosa Recreation and Parks Department, July 2007

  I was apprehensive about volunteering for the Art Contest. In the 12 years I have been employed in Seminole County I had not "volunteered" in this manner...I was astounded by the quality and quantity of artwork submitted and by the overall committment of the art committee as well as our Administration. The event was truly amazing-and I am looking forward to next year's exhibition.

Seminole County 4th Annual Government Employee Art contest

  "The National Arts Program® and Orlando International Airport is an outstanding partnership. The annual program has been enthusiastically embraced by the airport community, employees and their families as well as the traveling public.
  
   The memorable moments coordinating the events are too numerous to list, but the experiences have truly enriched my life.
  
   The stories from the artists about their entry, the volunteers calling to assist; the interaction between the various airport entities and the overall pride and excitement shown by the airport community has made it a pleasure to be the Coordinator of this event for the past two years."

Janet Scovic, Arts and Publication Administrator, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Orlando International Airport, Orlando, FL, September 2007

  "I want to thank the Board of Directors and Staff at The National Arts Program Foundation for accepting our Healthcare Center into their family of presenters.
  
   This was our first year participating in the program. The hospital administration, staff and their family members embraced this endeavor wholeheartedly. We had over 200 entries for our first annual exhibition/competition. I received so many compliments and kudos for bringing this event to our institution. The Vice President of Professional Services said, 'you hit a home run with this one.' There are five galleries in the hospital complex and we host over 60 art exhibits by local and regional professional artists each year, however, many employees said, 'This was the best exhibit ever.' I could go on and on about the ease of the application process, employee satisfaction, The NAP's wonderful staff and their helpfulness (they treated me like I was their only client).
  
   I encourage any entity that is eligible to make application for inclusion, you'll be glad you did."

Philip Muzi Branch, Director of Cultural Programs, VCU Health System, Richmond, VA, August 2006

  "The City and County of Honolulu covers the entire island of Oahu and having the NAP Exhibit at city hall, formally know as Honolulu Hale, brought employees and their families together under one roof. The entrants, from many city departments, would normally never interact given the geographical size of the city and the diversity of departments. Coming together they all shared one commonality, art. The exhibit was well received and we already have much interest for the next exhibit."

E. Tory Laitila, Registrar, Mayor's Office of Culture & the Arts, City of Honolulu, HI September 2006

  "As a first-timer I have to say that I heartily agree with all of these testimonials.
  
  Our 4th Floor Gallery at City Hall is year-round home to changing themed exhibits from a local collective of professional artists, but it took The National Arts Program® exhibit to fill the space with excited spectators on a daily basis.
  
  Both the Mayor and City Manager echoed the general consensus that 'this is the best show we've ever had here.' I've never seen the staff so excited, and I'm tremendously proud, not only of the participating artists, but also of the enthusiastic support they've received from the rest of our city family. 'Can we keep this show up all year?' someone asked me.
  
  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to let ourselves shine."

Gary Farmer, Cultural Affairs Program Manager, Miami Beach Tourism and Cultural Development, August 2006

  "I am proud of our employees for putting themselves out there and sharing their work for all to see during our First Annual NAP Exhibition. I was pleased with the number of participants but am overwhelmed by the positive response of the public as they browse through the display area and enjoy the artwork."

Kim Ward, Healing Arts Program Coordinator, Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, August 2007