There are the basics: reading, writing, and arithmetic.

But what about the arts?

Across the state, communities are celebrating “Arts Education Month” throughout the month of May.

Governor Christine Gregoire, the San Juan County Council, Orcas Center, Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, the Orcas Island Education Foundation, Orcas Open Arts, and the Orcas Island Public School District have all proclaimed May as a time to enrich children’s education with offerings centered around the arts.

“I think it’s critical, absolutely critical, to have exposure to all four art forms in the students’ K-12 academic life,” said Orcas Center artistic director Barbara Courtney. “Studies have shown that arts programs are very effective at reaching at-risk youth. They engage in risky behavior less often … they develop tenacity, self confidence and a sense of teamwork and collaboration.”

Orcas School Superintedent Barbara Kline calls art “the soul of education.”

“It’s one of the basics,” she said. “It’s the connectivity to other subjects that allows you to express the artistic side of yourself.”

The Orcas Arts Education Consortium is sponsoring events from now until the end of May. The consortium includes representatives from The Funhouse, The Madrona Club, Music Advocacy Group, Orcas Center, Orcas Christian School, Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, Orcas Island Community Foundation, Orcas Island Education Foundation, Orcas Island Historical Society, Orcas Lions Club, Orcas Oddfellows, Orcas Open Arts, Orcas Island Public School District and the Parent-Teacher-Students Association, Orcas Recreation Program and Salmonberry School.

Their shared vision for arts education on Orcas Island is the following:

“The community of Orcas Island believes that arts education is a critical component of the basic education of our children. The young people of Orcas Island are enriched by exposure to and participation in the diversity of dance, music, theatre and the visual arts.”

Says Courtney, “We cannot necessarily teach the hard skills that a fifth grader will need (in the job market as an adult). The world is changing so fast; we can’t know what a 5th grader is going to do for a career. What we can teach are the soft skills of being more adaptive, creative, collaborative, and critically thinking human beings, which are definitely needed for surviving and thriving in the 21st century as things are changing very rapidly.”

Upcoming arts education events during May

Until May 31: “Cutting Age,” a student art exhibit featuring the work of close to 300 students from Orcas Middle and High Schools, the Oasis Program, and Orcas Christian School will be at Orcas Center through May. Also on display this month: Orcas Elementary Student Art Show in the halls of the elementary building.

Thursday, May 20: Student music concert featuring K-4th grade, the OASIS choir, the 5th/6th choir, early morning strings and the 5th/6th strings. Theme is the 70’s. Middle School Gym, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 22: Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival Music Lovers’ Seminar by George Shangrow, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students attend free, St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Wednesday, May 26: At 5:15 p.m., Elementary School Dance Showcase. At 6 p.m., 5th Grade Theatre Showcase. Orcas Center, free.

Thursday, May 27: At 5:15 p.m., Elementary School Dance Showcase. At 6 p.m., Ms. Towne’s 6th Grade A and B Theatre Showcase, Orcas Center, free.

Thursday, June 3: At 7 p.m., 7th and 8th Grade Exploratory’s Theatre Performance, “Where I Come From,” Orcas Center’s OffCenter Stage, free.