Stasia Siena is a classically trained opera singer who is now a major player in the arts and education scene in Champaign-Urbana. The part-time arts coordinator for Next Generation School in Champaign, Siena has developed several projects that bring arts out of the school and into the community. She also maintains a private practice as a teacher of the Alexander Technique, a “method of re-educating the body/mind to cultivate increased awareness, greater ease of movement and enhanced performance in all areas of life.” She lives in Champaign with her husband, Jerry; their 6-year-old son; and 3-year-old daughter.
See why we think Stasia Siena is a Chambana Mom to Know.
Q: How did the NGS/Krannert Center for the Performing Arts/Westview Elementary School Diversity Project come about?
The Diversity Project arose out of a conversation I had with (KCPA Director) Mike Ross, and several other Krannert staff members involving arts engagement, arts in education, and community building through the arts. I shared my interest in bringing together students from diverse backgrounds to explore multiculturalism and make culturally-inspired art. It was important to me that the students’ art be brought out of the classroom and exhibited in a community setting; and Krannert offered to display the work in the KCPA lobby. I proposed combining a group of private school students with a group of public school students from the same grade, and together we eventually came up with the idea of tying the project into the KCPA Youth Series. Knowing Next Generation School’s commitment to community engagement from my own work there, I imagined that Barb Sullivan (Founder/Director of Next Generation School) would be interested in the project. Trevor Nadrozy, the principal at Westview Elementary School was also enthusiastic about participating, and through a series of group planning sessions, the scope of the project began to unfold. (Editor’s Note: Here is an article from Krannert about the project.)
Q: What is the goal for the program?
Working with the art of another culture expands and enriches students’ ideas of the world and helps them to gain perspective on their own cultural traditions and identity. Conceptually, my vision for the Diversity Project is to promote such self-reflection; and in the broadest sense, encourage students not only to appreciate the similarities between people, but also value their differences. On a practical level, it is the program’s goal to establish common ground and foster real connection among students – a diverse group of students who might not otherwise come into contact. Collectively, they create a really fine exhibit with which they can all identify and of which they can all be proud. It is my personal belief that such initiatives to connect individuals in meaningful ways ultimately strengthen the fabric of our communities. For this reason, I advocate among educators at other schools to pick up on the Diversity Project model and develop similar projects with their own students.
Q: Why are you so committed to bringing the arts out of the school and into the community?
Again, it is about connection. Art provides a mode of communication. It is also a vehicle for connection. By bringing the arts out of the school and into the community, students are immediately expressing themselves within — and connecting to — a broader experience of community. When their art elicits a positive response, it validates their creativity and cultivates a powerful sense of creative accomplishment. And the connection is a two-way street. Done well, bringing arts out of the school makes a positive impact on the community, too. Members of the community see what students are capable of achieving under the guidance of skillful teachers, and the result is affirming — if not downright inspiring!
Q: There is a significant age difference between you and your husband – how has that affected your relationship?
Every relationship has its unique characteristics. The fact that there is a significant age difference between me and my husband happens to be one of ours. Thankfully, my husband is extremely youthful, socially and professionally active — and in very good health — so in terms of everyday life, it affects our relationship very little. Of course, I have been mistaken for his daughter on a few occasions. And grandparents on the playground often scratch their heads when our 3-year-old calls him “Daddy!”
Q: You are broadly traveled and have lived abroad as well. Why have you chosen to make your home here?
When we met, my (now) husband already had tenure at the U of I, so there was never much discussion about where we would make our home. But even if that had not been the case, there would have been plenty of good reasons to choose to live in C-U: a world-renowned arts center, a strong intellectual community, excellent educational opportunities for our children, great friends and the sense of community we share with other families. Of course, the joke at our house is that we chose to live here because of the great mountain views!
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