HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/2026 Item 7a, Cappellano
Otta, Kaitlin
From:Emily Cappellano <ecappellano@slcusd.org>
Sent:Monday, November
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:esaperstein@sloma.org
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I am a 2nd teacher at Hawthorne Elementary. Last month, I brought my students to the San Luis Obispo
Museum of Art, and I urge you to approve the City's remaining two million dollar contribution to its
expansion.
Art is such an integral part of this community. As a class, we marveled at the exhibits, enjoyed making
connections with nature through the exhibits, and were thoroughly engaged as we were led through
SLOMA's rooms by the staff and docents. As you know, art is an expression, a feeling, an outlet,
entertainment, brilliance, and so much more. Going to SLOMA inspired students with their artistic
expression. So many students went back to class ready to create. Parents sent me pictures of the
creations their child made at home after our visit to SLOMA. A free museum within reach gives students a
chance to see original art up close.
The new campus, with triple the exhibition space and a dedicated education center, would let more
classes visit and do hands-on work that is hard to offer in a classroom. The Museum designs its
curriculum guides and activities with trained teaching artists to address California Education Standards,
helping fill in the arts instruction that schools are mandated to provide but often cannot. SLOMA is free
and will remain free, so cost is never a barrier for our families.This is crucial for continuing to create a
community that is healthy in mind, body, and spirit.
The City has already committed $500,000 to this $21 million project. Your support now will help the
Museum open by summer 2027 and give other funders confidence to follow.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Emily Cappellano, she/her
Teacher, Hawthorne Elementary
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