Arts of Kenmore grants benefit schools

Since the opening of this school year, the Arts of Kenmore has provided 17 grants to Kenmore schools to enhance arts education for local students. The grants -- totaling $3,200 -- help cover the cost of supplies, field trips, guest artists and other activities that expand arts, music and drama education.

By Andy Nystrom • January 25, 2012 4:32 pm
Students participate in the Americana Quilts project at Arrowhead Elementary School.
Students participate in the Americana Quilts project at Arrowhead Elementary School.

Arts of Kenmore member Roland Lindstrom looked at the organization’s budget and said, “We’ll go for it.”

And they went big, recently handing off $3,200 worth of grants to five area schools to enhance arts education. The 17 grants and total monetary amount are record highs for the Arts of Kenmore, which gives out grants each year.

“These are broadening experiences for the young people and we’re so happy we can help with that,” said Arts of Kenmore’s Jo Ann Evans. “With schools just really struggling to fund their programs, they’re so lucky in the Northshore School District to have (top-notch) arts and music programs.”

The grants enabled Inglemoor High’s music and drama departments to hire a viola coach, acquire jazz CDs for the listening library, purchase materials for building theatrical sets and hire a choreographer. Kenmore Junior High was able to purchase desktop easels and music stands, pay a vocal coach and provide band supplies to underprivileged students. A grant to Arrowhead Elementary funded supplies for fifth-grade students to make quilts in the Americana Quilts project. Kenmore Elementary received a grant to support the PTA Art Docent Volunteer Program. Grants to Lockwood Elementary helped fund field trips to the Village Theatre, Seattle Art Museum and a Seattle Children’s Theatre drama workshop.

Evans noted that reaction from teachers has been great, and the kids are able to keep their firm grip on the arts, Lindstrom added.

“Arts and music programs are tremendous in Northshore; there’s a big interest, there always has been,” Lindstrom said. “It’s amazing how much talent is out there. It’s got to start in school.”

Arts of Kenmore, which will hold its annual art show June 20-24 at Bastyr University, also invites students to send in their art projects to place on its Web site at www.artsofkenmore.org.

The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded primarily by donations. To contribute to this community program, donors may mail a check to Arts of Kenmore, P.O. Box 82767, Kenmore, WA 98028-0767. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.