TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Tucson Unified School District’s art program paints an innovative picture -- one where art and academics are combined.

Art is often the first to go with education cuts, but research shows art helps kids develop important skills and improve their grades.

That’s why TUSD is celebrating a $2 million endowment, which will generate money to invest in the district’s integrated arts program.

Trista Tamura, the Visual Arts Teacher at Lineweaver Elementary, said she was afraid of math growing up, but has found a way to incorporate it into art.

“I feel like I’m giving a gift to myself when I was a kid,” said Tamura, who wears sunglasses after becoming partially blind from battling cancer. “Struggling so much in school is not fun. I want all my kids in here

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