Roberta was one of the first artists I met in Arizona and what impressed me about her was her affirmative and knowing way of speaking. “Do you know so and so, have you met them, well then we have to get you to meet them, this is what we are going to do”. Spoken in a rapid fire manner that is reminiscent of Katz’s Deli , “you’ll have the Brisket, it will be good for you, you’ll enjoy”. Another great thing about Roberta is that whenever possible, her kids are always with her and welcomed.
As an Artist Activist, Artist and Mom, do you feel that your kids have gotten a balanced school curriculum, one that has them participate in creative arts programs as well as academics?
What an interesting and ironic question! Yes, but primarily because we have personally ensured that for our children. Do I believe their classmates share that experience? No. Unfortunately, Arizona offers substandard education and cultural programming in the primary grades. I only wish we could somehow rapidly inspire our legislative leadership to understand the need to adequately fund education, thereby insuring a quality future for all of us. I deeply respect the educators I have come to know because most are unbelievably dedicated and creative in imparting their skills and knowledge despite underwhelming political and financial support.
I have personally never worried about the level of artistic interaction my children have experienced. The most challenging thing for us has been maintaining the breadth of those experiences and not being tunnel-visioned on [my own area of interest] the visual arts. Both of my children are incredibly creative, however, I think they have been exposed to so much(artistically and civically) that they do not yet know how different they are!
Why do you think it is that with the use of case studies and research data that indicate arts education is a important and critical contributor to a young persons growth, that both the Feds and local governments seem to ignore this.
There are a variety of very weak excuses for this, but I believe the primary reason comes down to the homogenization of our educational and subsequent cultural experiences. It is difficult to be enthused about that which you are not familiar or experienced with. We have witnessed a quiet cultural decline (in our country, but not limited to), dating back at least three generations, from when the Arts were intrinsically woven through the educational experience of the intellectual community and were equally used as a means of cultural preservation through folk experience in the general populous.
In America, our efforts to give everyone the same level of elementary education have actually created a unique homogeneous climate. Cultural differences, traditions and practices (the roots of artistic expression) have been slowly eliminated to encompass only the most common of community experiences. Interestingly, following the Arts in their slow disappearance from our schools’ curriculum’s, Sports and Physical Education are likewise being relegated to after-school care providers to institute.
It is not missed, even on the youngest child, that these after-school activities, albeit entertaining, are not considered as important as what occupies the greatest amount of their time during the day. Joy is being left outside the door of our educational system and I am gravely concerned by the consequences of this short-sightedness.
The last couple of years has seen a lot of enthusiasm about the growing Phoenix art district. With the economy hitting a wall, are you still hearing the same enthusiasm as in 2006.
I am certain that no one, in any business, is enthusiastic about our current economic climate. I believe we can safely predict that we will see a pause in the Arts District enthusiasm, however, it will ultimately recover as the economy does.
In addition to funding, what else does this art’s community need.
Maturity and responsibility. Part of the underlying dysfunction of our own arts community is our response to the community, as a larger whole, which still does not perceive the Arts as an integral part of its health and vitality. Changing that perception requires patience, commitment and taking responsibility for how we behave, both as artists and community members.
We have an Election coming up and neither one of the candidates seem to be talking education. Do you find this odd and what do you think we need to do in order to have this be a focal point during their campaigning.
No, I don’t find it odd – disappointing perhaps – but with issues like our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; continued Middle Eastern tensions; our failing health care system and our current economic decline, I believe most Americans are overwhelmed with issues deemed larger than educational concerns.
Whether we can engage the presidential candidates in a national discussion on education or not, we should definitely take this opportunity to send a clear message to our local representatives that we insist on higher standards of education for our children. Governor Napolitano campaigned with education as one of her highest priorities. I have been both impressed by the dogged follow-through of her promises, and dismayed by the lack of support from the State Legislature. If we want to see change nationally – we need to start locally.
Do you have any exhibits planned, if so is their a theme.
I’m afraid I don’t have any upcoming exhibits planned yet! I took some time off from my career(s) to support my youngest child through a very difficult educational time. Now that he has successfully regained his confidence and independence, I am looking forward to returning to my studio and catching up on all the beautiful sights, smells and tactile sensations from producing art. I hope to be back in circulation in a year or so. Look for my art again sometime toward 2010!
I think Ms. Hancock is simply amazing, I am can safely say I can be a good judge of that as I live with her. My mom is an amzing artist and an ferocious advocate for the arts and education as this interview has really brought forth and it's easy to see why she's so adamant, she's deeply invested! With my brother and I still in school she is very alert to how good of an education we are receiving, and she has done marvolously in choosing schools for us to go to.
Thank you to Bob Martin for doing this interview with her.
@Safia Sampson: Hi Safia, I like you are one of your moms greatest fans.
Bob
rick and i love Roberta and her family too… i never had the privilege of seeing her work.. thank you for this story and some samples of her work
carolyn s.
I've watched Roberta blossom from an artist, illustrator, graphic designer, and caligrapher pioneering a not-so-elegant corner of an urban historic neighborhood into a savvy community advocate who is truly well-rounded in her quest for quality of life. Bob–do an interview sometime that asks for her thoughts on creating a truly fabulous, resilient community and you will have a good primer on urban design, community building, and how creativity and passion can inspire it all. When will Phoenix realize what a gem they have in her? I suppose when it realizes the importance of PEOPLE in the recipe for vital urban communities! 🙂
@Margaret Stout: Hi Margaret and thanks for stopping by and commenting.
This has been a joy to read, thanks to roberta for sending it to me. Yes! she is right on target as to our lack of the ARTS in our over all educational systems. As for her personally, I'm glad she chose my son Byron, we have been blessed to call her 'one of our own'
Thank you Bob for sharing your interview with Roberta Hancock; I enjoyed learning a little bit about her.
This is marvelous! I love her work! As a former teacher, I too share Roberta's concern over how the educational system has homogenized itself. The current educational climate is focused on leveling the playing field – LIFE is not a level playing field! Our children are not prepared for life outside the cocoon of the current educational system. Interestingly, countries outside the US seem to be able to incorporate the Arts and physical education into their curriculums.
Keep up the good work, Roberta! Kiss my niece and nephew for me – oh and Byron too!
I met Roberta and her family in Rocky Point this summer. The first thing that became obvious to me was her ability to communicate in a warm friendly manner that caused me to feel at ease with her, and her family. Because this family was so warm and friendly, we were able to get together after the Rocky Point trip. This is when I discovered her amazing artistic abilities. Furthermore, she has passed this attribute on to her two beautiful children. Walking through their home was like being in a museum. I'm so glad to see Roberta is being honored in this way. I don't know many who deserve it more.
@carolyn: Hello Carolyn, You are welcome. I hope to tell more stories of people who are and have been helping to change our communities.
I am glad to see this post on Roberta Hancock. She is my neighbor and always willing to help anyone learn more about art, the community or any other topic you might come up with. Although we don't see each other often I consider her a friend and colleague. Her dedication to her children and their education is nonpareil. I can't wait to see her new work, I'll be looking for it. Congratulations, Roberta.
If the arts, or “ARTS!” in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona and the Southwest are to thrive and mature, it will be due in large part to Roberta. She is a smart, media-, business- and politically savvy, talented, committed artist and activist. Our city and region are incredibly fortunate to have her.
I look forward to seeing Roberta’s new work as she moves out of a fallow time and back into the studio.
Roberta is much deserving of this published interview. She's one of Phoenix's urban treasures.
Very nice read!! I have always found Roberta to be very insightful, particularly on subjects she really cares about. We should all be concerned about the homogenizing of our basic educational system. Not just those, like Roberta, in the arts industry, or those directly involved in teaching our children (or who used to be … kudos to you, sis). Too much emphasis is being placed on being globally competitive in the sciences. A balance is what will benefit future generations best.
Well done, Bert!!! Keep it up!!
Sam
Thanks for the opportunity to reconnect with Roberta through this interview. It's great to read her daughter Safia's comments; I knew Safia when she was a tiny girl and it's a joy to see take such obvious delight in her talented and energetic mother. (Safia didn't say anything about her father, but he's a talented guy, too!) You go, Sampson-Hancock family!
I am very please/great full that this interview was able to touch so many of Roberta's friends and family and I am hopeful that you will return to this site to see what else is going. It is my intention to do one interview with someone in the arts every month. Please stay tuned.
Kudos to Roberta and all that she does. She is a modern day Superwoman!
I finally managed to sort through my email and read the article…very delighted to have done so! The questions and answers were very insightful, somewhat unexpected of what artists get asked but Roberta's answers were a good reminder to us all that artists are not only aware of their immediate surroundings but also participating citizens in the world around them, not just their immediate environments or simply their studios. Bob, thank you for the questions that presented to Roberta and thanks to her for the intelligent answers. Artists are a barometer of our times and are shaped by the times we live in; much like children are. Thanks for the portrait!
@Joe Ray: Thanks Joe. I am looking to do more of these types of interviews. Even though we (artist) are so focused on our art, people forget that we are whole human beings with many of the same concern that everyone else has.