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Cultural Council Awards Grants to Teachers for Arts Education Enrichment Projects
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville has awarded Arts Education Enrichment Grants to five Duval County public school teachers in an effort to provide expanded art and cultural programs in the classroom.
Teachers were encouraged to apply for special arts projects that enrich the educational experience for their students. Publix Super Markets Charities provided the lead gift for the grant program, which was augmented by two local, anonymous donors.
“There are always more worthy applicants to this grant program than funding available. It is encouraging to know that Publix Super Markets Charities and individual donors see the value of arts education by helping to fund these grants to teachers,” said Robert Arleigh White, executive director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
Grants were awarded to:
“Special Supplies for ‘Special Kids’ and Jackson Pollack” Kathryn Darby, Mandarin Oaks Elementary ($325)
This project allows students to create paintings in the style of abstract expressionist, Jackson Pollock, by providing user friendly tools that physically handicapped students can use on their own. In addition to providing a creative experience, the program promotes the development of skills which can be utilized in other subject areas.
“Writers’ Festival” Jacquelin Jones, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts ($200) The 11th Annual Douglas Anderson Writers’ Festival is a day-long celebration of the printed word with 14 guest authors who will conduct readings, book signings, and workshops in all writing genres. This festival is designed to strengthen student interest in reading and writing. Grant money will help make this festival available to students from all over the county.
“A Day in the Life of . . . Me!” Teresa Woodlief, Chaffee Trail Elementary School ($490)
Art and classroom teachers will develop a digital scrapbook project allowing 16 Exceptional Education Students (ESE) to create collections of photographs and journal entries electronically. Hard copies will become part of the school library’s collection in addition to each student receiving a copy of their work. Project participants will present their work at a school assembly.
“Enhancing the Curriculum with Orff Instruments” Rovenia Shaw, Biscayne Elementary ($490)
Biscayne Elementary will purchase Orff instruments to teach basic music theory and performance skills to third, fourth and fifth grade students. Biscayne’s music teacher, Rovenia Shaw, has completed Orff Training through the district’s Professional Development for Arts Educators Grantto enable her to use this curriculum.
“100th Birthday Mosaic“Kate Garcia-Rovh, West Riverside Elementary ($500)
Students will study the history of mosaics with the art teacher and local mosaic artist, Mary Doppel. Next, students will learn the process of mosaic-makings and then commemorate the school’s historic birthday by creating their own mosaic on the wall of the school’s courtyard.
The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville works to advance the appreciation and expression of art and culture by increasing community awareness of cultural activities and issues; providing arts education; and offering funding and technical assistance to cultural organizations and individual artists. For more information on the Council’s arts education programs, visit www.culturalcouncil.org or call (904) 358-3600.