You may not recognize the name Walter Wick, but if you’re an elementary educator or a parent with small children, I’ll bet you recognize his work. He’s the man behind the I Spy and Can You See What I See? series. The Walters Art Museum is currently celebrating his work in an exhibit titled “Walter Wick:  Games, Gizmos and Toys in the Attic.”

Christmas came early for the Maryland Teachers of the Year when we were recently treated to a fabulous Arts Day. We began with a wine and cheese reception in the sculpture garden of the Walters Art Museum where we were welcomed by Director Gary Vikan. Next, it was on to a private tour of the Wick exhibit. It was fascinating to see how Wick’s early photographic work and his love of illusions and puzzles led to his meticulous photographic illustrations in children’s books.

Following our museum visit, we enjoyed a catered dinner in a private dining room located on the 5^th floor on Center Stage. It was great catching up with my friends and hearing about everyone’s school year. After dinner, we were led to the intimate space of the Head Theater at Center Stage to watch a production of ReEntry.

ReEntry describes what Marines face when they return from service and attempt to reintegrate into civilian life. The play is based on hours of interviews with actual Marines and their families and is told through a series of interwoven stories. About a dozen different characters are played by a cast of five as they tell their honest and unflinching stories.

I was so grateful to be able to participate in the TOY Arts Day. I have always believed in the importance of arts education in our schools. William Bennett, Former US Secretary of Education, said, “The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing,  and arithmetic…music, dance, painting, and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.”

As a graduate of a Performing Arts High School and former drama major at Carnegie Mellon University, I couldn’t agree more. I was an aimless high school student until my drama teacher ignited a passion within me that I didn’t know existed. The arts allow us to imagine, to create, to communicate, to understand different cultures…to open a whole new world to us.