The Office of Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.
NACo recognized All American Youth Art Walk in the category of Children and Youth. The program, in its second year, turned the public halls of Pasco’s east- and west-side courthouses into eye-pleasing galleries celebrating the talents of the county’s public school student artists.
“The Art Walk has been an important labor of love for all those involved,” said Paula S. O’Neil, Ph.D., Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller. “The benefits of making sure the arts are part of every young person’s life are clear and unmistakable, and we are grateful to our partners – Pasco County Schools and the Florida West Coast Credit Union – for helping us bring it all together.”
The brainchild of Clerk & Comptroller Administrative Assistant Laurie Ansorge, the Art Walk has, in just two years, attracted 262 pieces from 246 student artists representing 24 schools.
“Youth art is so rewarding, it brings us back to our core, replenishing our soul, and reminding us of where we once stood,” Ansorge said. “It exemplifies the importance of art at an early age, and opens the window of self-expression and creativity.”
“Showcasing youth art enhances our lives, while giving joy, appreciation, and pride to our communities, to our country, and to our youth – our future leaders. It is my hope that art education remains an integral part of our school curriculum, it’s so important.”
Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning agrees. “Art is important to a well-rounded education,” Browning said, “so the Pasco School Board and I welcome the opportunity to enhance our students’ exposure to the arts by partnering with Clerk and Comptroller Paula O’Neil for the All American Youth Art Walk.”
In March and early April, in conjunction with Youth Art Month, O’Neil, Ansorge and their partners hosted receptions at each of the gallery/courthouses for student artists, their families, teachers, dignitaries, and art aficionados. Highlighting the events: performances by high school musical groups, reaffirming Pasco County’s commitment to art that reaches beyond the canvas.
“Counties overcome complex challenges, provide essential services and constantly do more with less,” said NACo President Bryan Desloge. “We applaud these Achievement Award-winning counties for outstanding efforts to improve residents’ quality of life.”
That effort is ongoing. Artwork changes out with the turn of the calendar, but invitations to contribute are issued at the start of the new school year. Even now, Ansorge is gearing up for another season of recruiting budding artists and their teachers for the 2018 All American Youth Art Walk.
Nationally, NACo awards are given in 18 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
This marks the 10th time the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office has earned NACo honors.
NACo will recognize award-winning counties at its 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition July 21–24 in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.
Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Award Program is designed to recognize innovative county government programs. Each nominee is judged on its merits and not against other applications received.