What is AWE?
Arts in Western Education (AWE) is a 501(c)3 organization that supports the arts in all of the six schools in Western Albemarle County Public Schools. These include Brownsville, Crozet, Ivy, V.L. Murray, Henley, and Western Albemarle High School.
What started in 2013 as a group of six band parents who wanted to help the WAHS Marching Band raise funds to purchase much needed new band uniforms, has now grown into a 501(c)3 organization that supports ALL music and arts programs in ALL schools in the Western Albemarle feeder pattern!
AWE has a dual purpose. First, we want to grow and build the arts programs in these schools. We want ALL kids to get involved in the arts and we want to draw attention to the amazing students and teachers who are part of the arts programs. Second, we want to be able to financially support the arts teachers. With cuts in arts funding happening all the time, we have a grant program to help arts teachers purchase what they need to continue to offer and build high quality programs. We also want to provide scholarships for local students to be able to continue pursuing their arts education!
Some people have thought of AWE as a PTO organization, but just for art, where we run events and programs and have funding. One volunteer recently described AWE as the Fairy Godmother for the arts!
However you think of AWE, the most important thing to remember is that we are passionate about having the arts be an important piece of our community. Please help us with our mission!
A Love Letter to the Arts from our President
This is a topic I’m very passionate about so I will try to keep things short! I think sometimes the arts aren’t given enough credit in school because they aren’t straightforwardly “academic”. Art engages children’s senses in open-play and supports the development of cognitive, social-emotional and multisensory skills. In addition, art promotes everything from problem solving to self-esteem to self-control to increased academic performance and in some cases it can be life saving. I could go on- there are just so many benefits. AWE is here to help support as much as we can!
A little about me- I'm a Charlottesville native and an Ivy/ Henley/ Western alum ('02!) and the Arts were a lifeline for me as I struggled with some fairly severe learning disabilities growing up. If you told me I'd ever be in a leadership role back then, I'd think you were crazy! But I’m so passionate about the arts, that I’m ready to do whatever it takes.
I now have three young children and I'm more motivated than ever to make these programs shine. I'm so excited to help be a voice for the arts and help support any way I possibly can.
My three words for this upcoming year are- community, connection and exposure and I'm dedicated to seeing these through this year on top of fundraising.
Most gratefully,
Jordan Zarwel
AWE President 2023-2025
Giving kids of all ages a voice, an audience, a stage – a safe place to find their people – is what arts education is all about. AWE encourages families to do more than attend the performances throughout the school year. Through ArtsFest in the West, we create a “big night” that brings together all grades, all programs and all schools to celebrate the kids and their fabulous teachers.
Spread the word. Plan to attend. Volunteer. Send us leads on sponsors. Most of all…keep doing what you’re doing to encourage your young artist to pursue their passion.