During the Pandemic, The TD Center for Arts Integration and the Metropolitan Arts Council named sonic artist Jeff Holland as the 2020-2021 Dr. Martha R. Westrope Teaching Artist Fellow. In this role, Jeff worked with SmartARTS and the CARES act in day camp facilities for the children of essential workers at a time when schools were closed. Jeff also returned into high-poverty schools with SmartARTS this Spring. Using drums and world rhythms, Jeff Holland enriched students’ understanding of math concepts and leadership skills.
Dr. Martha R Westrope Fellow: Jeff Holland from SmartARTS Greenville on Vimeo.
Thank you to the Caughman Family whose generous donation honors Dr. Martha R Westrope who left us in 2017. Dr. Westrope was a psychologist and researcher with a passion for education and mental health issues. Learn more about SmartARTS and MAC at www.greenvillearts.com or follow us on social media @SmartARTSGVL.
Jeff Holland, sonic artist, has been an integral part of the local music scene in Greenville for the past four decades as a drummer and music teacher. Today he loves to share his passion for world drumming and he believes, “Despite differences in language, religion and customs, there is something that unites cultures throughout the world — rhythm.” As a SmartARTS teaching artist, Jeff uses drumming to teach culture, fractions, patterns, empathy, and math concepts through drumming in schools across Greenville.
Alan Ethridge, MAC Executive Director, says about the fellowship, “This fellowship is a testament to the generous nature of philanthropic individuals who make Greenville a thriving arts hub of the South East. This fellowship will help highlight and expand SmartARTS, a program that has to date served students across 73 schools who have benefited from this arts-focused curriculum which helps students become college and career ready for the 21st century.”