Not long after the final school bell rings in June this year, Ohio teachers will have an opportunity for two unique learning and self-enrichment programs sponsored by the Ohio Arts Council.

They can experience the art of the written word from June 21-26 at Wright State University's main campus in Dayton. The Experience of Writing seminar is an opportunity for teachers and administrators in grades K-12 to work with nationally known writers of fiction, poetry and nonfiction. Faculty this year includes Christopher Merrill and Nikki Finney, poetry; Constance Pierce and Frank Dobson, fiction; and Nancy Mairs, nonfiction. Participants will complete a writing project in one of those genres and discuss teaching strategies. For more information and application materials call Bob Fox, Literature Program coordinator at the OAC, 614/466-2613 or e-mail bfox@oac.state.oh.us.

There is no telling what creative outcomes will develop at the Summer Media Institute from July 26-August 1 at Ohio University in Athens. This year's institute involves an intensive workshop in media art making. Participants will spend a week working with artists, film makers, writers and poets to develop an array of media skills and their own movie or digital art.

Now in its 10th year, the Summer Media Institute is a nationally recognized program for Ohio's teachers and school administrators. Faculty this year includes Joan Truckenbrod and Bill Schneider, digital imaging; Yvonne Welbon and Alex Riveria, film making; Terry Hermsen, poetry; Terry Barrett, criticism; and Helen Lee, short story writing .

The institute offers graduate credit, invigorating work, meals, lodging, art supplies and great camaraderie at a reasonable cost. For more information and application materials call Anita Collinger, Arts in Education Program assistant, at 614/466-2613 or e-mail anitac@oac.state.oh.us. 

With technical assistance provided by the Ohio Arts Council, 11 arts organizations in Columbus can give each other high fives in celebration of becoming the first licensed regional site for the High 5 discount ticket program.

This promotion allows 13- to 18-year-olds to buy $5 tickets for classical and dance concerts, touring Broadway shows, jazz performances and art exhibitions. Central Ohio students can purchase tickets to a variety of events listed in a High 5 brochure available at Ticketmaster outlets, schools, libraries and other community locations. With proof of age they can purchase a $5 voucher redeemable 30 minutes in advance of a performance for the best available seat. The program was developed in New York City.

Participating organizations in Columbus include BalletMet, CAPA, CATCO, Columbus Jazz Orchestra, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Fifth Third Bank Broadway Series, King Arts Complex, Opera Columbus, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra and Wexner Center for the Arts. Leading funding support is provided by Bank One; administration is by CAPA.

More information about High 5 Columbus is available by calling 614/ 470-0499.