Local winner: Incorporating arts in education ‘crucial’

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IF YOU GO:

WHO: Local professor to be honored

WHAT: Governor's Arts Awards

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Community Arts Center

For every artist, there's an inspiration, and for every student, there's an aspiration.

Conceptually, the two need guidance, and within the world of the arts, that guidance is usually funneled from educator to learner.

"Great art teachers - like great coaches - inspire people to explore and expand upon their greatest natural gifts," said Sascha Feinstein, an English professor at Lycoming College.

On Wednesday, Feinstein will receive the 2008 Artist of the Year Award at the Governor's Awards for the Arts ceremony here.

The Artist of the Year Award recognizes an individual for his creations and contributions to the excellence of the arts in Pennsylvania.

As a poet, essayist and editor, Feinstein's work has received numerous awards and acclaim.

"The award is well-deserved," said Connie Casale, committee member for next week's Celebrate the Arts. "We're lucky as a community to have someone like him."

As an educator, Feinstein understands the importance of integrating the arts into the educational realm.

"In my opinion, incorporating arts programs in education systems is not merely important - it's crucial," Feinstein said. "I will be forever grateful to my best writing teachers."

In 1995, the New York City native moved to Williamsport with his wife, Marleni. He began his professorship at Lycoming College.

"Teaching remains one of the few professions where a person gives to others more than he or she receives in return," Feinstein said. "Imagine, for a moment, a world where that became the global priority."

Judy Olinsky, committee member for Celebrate the Arts, realizes the positive impact culture and art "can have on our children's lives."

"It's a form of expression, and people can learn from that - especially children," Casale said. "And, they sometimes need that outlet. It's an expression of their humanity, of feelings. What they are, who they are, what they're thinking - and it's acceptable expression."

Growing up as the son of two expressionist artists, Feinstein came to know the allure of the arts.

"I write because I believe in art and have felt a calling since childhood," Feinstein said.

His most recent publication, "Black Pearls: Improvisations on a Lost Year," was published in October.

However, his several previous awards, along with this year's honor, could not come without the proper guiding hand to bring about a realized dream.

"Both my parents were artists," Feinstein said. "I always knew I'd be involved, in one way or another, with art.

"In college, though, I became more conscious of language as a way of embracing the many artistic passions that have guided my life, from painting to jazz," he said.

Feinstein received a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Rochester and a master's degree in poetry and a doctorate in American literature from Indiana University.

"One of my greatest inspirations continues to be jazz," Feinstein said. "Most of my publications respond to jazz in one way or another, and I continue to find new connections between jazz and literature."

As an Artist of the Year recipient, Feinstein is humble and appreciative of the artistic energy put into the celebration of the arts here in town.

"Am I the best artist in Pennsylvania?" Feinstein said. "Absolutely not. I'm pleased to have opportunities, such as this one, to promote the arts, and I'm excited about the surge of interest here in Williamsport. This city alone boasts so many terrific artists, and it should be a thrilling week."