Arts Ed NJ, a presenting organization for the NJ Governor’s Awards in Arts Education is proud to honor two leaders in arts education with the award for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Arts Education: Dale Schmid, former Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator of the NJ Department of Education, and Wendy Liscow, former Program Director of the Education and Technical Assistance programs of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

Dr. Dale Schmid is retiring this year from his 22-year position with the Department of Education to “pursue [his] research interests and to focus energy on national efforts to support teaching and learning in the arts.” This award will commemorate his work’s tremendous achievement in shaping arts education policies and curricula within the state of New Jersey.

“I am at once humbled and honored to receive this award,” he states. “I have always self-identified as an artist, and… I have sought to bring an artist’s sensibility, that is to say, the ability to imagine new possibilities and wherewithal to create something from nothing to my work; whatever it has been. While the notion of an artist in government strikes me as an anomaly, I believe thinking like an artist has served me well.

The depth of my gratitude for the myriad opportunities the Department has provided me to be a change agent is practically indescribable…It is because of the community – more than the efforts of one individual such as myself, that New Jersey is in the forefront of arts education. We are a model for the nation and I am proud to have been part of building the infrastructure that placed us in a position of leadership.”

Wendy Liscow’s award will commemorate her many accomplishments within 17 years of work with The Dodge Foundation as she moves on from her role there. Liscow’s initiatives as the leader of their Education and Technical Assistance Programs have advanced arts education around the state, and provided significant support to underserved communities.

She reflects, “Being part of New Jersey’s tremendous arts education community over the past 30 years has demonstrated that meaningful systems’ change is possible. Whether it was advocating for more arts in all schools or examining the power of arts integration and culturally sustaining teaching practices, it has been a great privilege to link arms with this passionate community. I am so honored to be recognized with a Governor’s Lifetime Achievement award and plan to use the rest of my lifetime advancing our collective charge.”

Bob Morrison, director of Arts Ed NJ states,“Wendy and Dale both epitomize the very ideals of this award. They have both provided a lifetime commitment to advancing arts education for the all students in New Jersey and have been critical thought partners as New Jersey emerged as a leader in arts education. Their impact has been measurable and we are truly honored to be able to recognize them for their life’s work.”

The awards ceremony will be hosted online on May 22, 2021. More information can be found on the Governor’s awards website: https://www.njgaae.org/ .