The arts play a vital role in education. All students benefit from the opportunity to experience the arts, and studies show that integrating the arts into a curriculum is vital to providing a well-rounded education.

With this in mind, the 2016 Senate Art Exhibit is now accepting submissions for display. The Missouri Alliance for Arts Education (MAAE) and the Missouri Art Education Association (MAEA) are excited to sponsor another year of student artwork at the Missouri State Capitol.

Through this program, MAAE and MAEA provide students with an opportunity to showcase their work at the Missouri Capitol.

Teachers may digitally submit student work now through November 22. In January 2016, senators will be asked to view submissions from their districts and select winners for display.

For more information, visit: http://www.maea.net/senate_art_exhibit

I encourage all our schools in the district to participate. I have admired many pieces of artwork from very talented students over the last year, and I look forward to seeing our students’ latest endeavors.

As always, I encourage my constituents to contact me throughout the year with comments, questions or suggestions by calling my office at (573) 751-5713. To find more information about the bills I sponsor, visit www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.