Keep your eyes open while you dream so you can fly!

Five years ago I noticed a children's art magazine I had not seen before. It was outdated, but caught my eye with a description of a national arts contest which offered the winner seven clays filled with educational classes and art experiences. I pictured the children on my little Alaskan island being involved with the world beyond, and knew this could have a huge impact on their perspective.

Through the Art Council in Ketchikan, Alaska, I worked as part of the Artists-in-the-Schools program, presenting a five-day workshop for one fifth grade class. This workshop focused on drawing, watercolor painting, and writing a piece for the contest theme, which was "My World in the Year 2000".

I had time only to dry, wrap and mail the 28 pieces of art created by the workshop students to ICAF, which chose one finalist. Courtney Hayes' trip to Washington DC in 1999 with her mother and myself had a huge impact on her future. Previously a hesitant, shy l0-year-old, she now seeks out art contests on her own, enters the ones that interest her--and sometimes, she wins them. She also encourages her younger sister and friends to get involved with art and art contests.

Since those glorious days, time has passed and I have been pulled by my new surroundings in Colorado, and the tensions of the world. The surge of creative energy from the 1999 festival has faded some. But I've had a chance to recover that energy.

One of my current students became interested in ICAF's new contest, "Me in the New Millenium". Tessa Crisman, 11 years old, is from my new home town of Idaho Springs, Colorado, and was selected as the finalist for the 2003 Arts Olympiad. She came to Washington DC with her entire family. Visiting DC is something they had wanted to do as a family for a long time, to enrich their education. But because of their busy schedules, the DC educational trip had been put on hold many times. The opportunities ICAF offered changed all that, and all other family priorities disappeared.

Watching her during the festival, I see her eyes open wide, taking it all in, and her smile, which actually grows daily. I see her spending time with girls and boys from other countries, with limited or no knowledge of English. Their communication and connection is miraculous. I see Tessa painting in perfect pleasure, side by side with her new friends.

This opportunity for children to be part of a seven-day international arts festival is marvelous. The children are honored to be involved in so many hands-on activities, surrounded by the rich cultural setting of the Smithsonian museums. The experience is so much more than a one-day award presented with a handshake.

I'm once again on the National Mall, involved physically and mentally as much as I can, and taking so many photos. I need to see and feel that this moment really did occur That the Dream is real. These festivals have taught me two lessons, which I will weave into my teachings and personal art: (1) watch and pay attention so you don't miss anything, and (2) anything is possible. Dream and then fly there.

Wrenn Boulton is an Art Instructor working as a substitute teacher, workshop presenter and artist. She also teaches private and group lessons in her studio and in the public library in her home town of Idaho Springs, CO. She has worked in the field of creative teaching for more than 35 years.