It was 1973, Mary and Lance Strickland are happily seated on two of the fourteen stools at Al’s Breakfast in Dinkytown celebrating Mary’s new job as Creative Arts teacher at Annunciation School. With an M.A. in Music Education in hand and a blessing from principal Sister Monique traced on her forehead, Mary embraced the opportunity to shape “something different” for her new students at her new work- place. Mary had a vision, and Sr. Monique shared her enthusiasm.

Forty years later, Mary is no less dedicated to a process that en- courages students to trust themselves, trust each other, and trust that, “With a Little Help From My Friends”, great art is created!

“From kindergarten through eighth grade,” Mary Strickland explains, “the kids evolve artistically, and the focus in the classroom changes and grows in complexity as they advance through the grades.” She adds, “From day one the kids sing, dance, learn movement, create skits, compose music, paint and draw and we rotate through these various forms of expression. They perform, and we critique. They learn to take ownership of what they produce from their own heart; they develop confidence. There is an appreciation for what they create and a respect for their creation, as well as the courage to ask the question, “How could this be better?”. In this kind of environment the kids “buy into” the entire process, including performing, in a very disciplined way.”