Rep. Briggs with a student artist.
By Rep. Tim Briggs (PA 149)
For the past six years, Rep.Tim Briggs has hosted monthly art shows in his district office as a way to promote the importance of arts education in Pennsylvania public schools. For these events, art teachers from the elementary, middle and high schools in the 149th.
Legislative District are invited to select student artwork to display throughout his district office, and constituents who come into the office are able to view the displays at their leisure. To-wards the end of each month, an Open House Art Show is held for parents and community members to enjoy light refreshments and view the artwork collectively.
“These Student Art Shows are great opportunities to showcase the creativity and talent of our local students and highlight the positive impact the arts have in our public schools,” Briggs says. “Unfortunately, arts and music programs are often the first to see cuts when the time comes for school districts to formulate their budgets, but the 
arts are an integral part of a well-rounded education and contribute to so many areas of a child’s development and worldview. I felt it was important for these students to have a venue to display their work to the greater community.”
While arts education is the primary topic of these events, Rep. Briggs and his staff are on hand to provide help and answer questions about any state-related issue or program that constituents may have. Over the years, these informal events have become very popular with the students, teachers and parents alike.