New Grant Program Established

Three Morgan County art teachers received grants to purchase art supplies for their classrooms in a new grant program established by the Morgan Arts Council (MAC)

"After talking to many teachers here and throughout the state, we discovered that a direct way to encourage art in the schools was to help art teachers purchase the materials they need for special projects," said MAC board member Jeanne Mozier who created the new program. "The adopt-a-School fundraising campaign allowed people to check off a box for art teacher grants," said Mozier. "We used these funds to try out the program. When we received several proposals, we decided the program would work. Next year we hope to raise more money to provide more grants."

Humanities Curriculum Specialist, Lisa Youell assisted MAC in getting word to the county's 13 art, music and theater teachers. "I was delighted when Jeanne came into my office and said MAC wanted to give cash grants to the art teachers," said Youell. "It was fun to be on the grant giving end of the process," said Mozier.

Jerry Potter at Widmyer Elementary received a grant for calligraphy materials. "Because of budget cutbacks, inflation and increase in student population we are not always able to afford projects like this," said Potter. Pam Didawick at Berkeley Springs High School received a grant that would allow her advanced students to make stained glass windows. Mary Ann Haines at Warm Springs Middle School received a grant for marbling supplies. "This grant is a great help in expanding the projects our public school art program can do," said Haines.

To make a donation to MAC for art teachers grants access the member/donation form or send your tax deductible donation to Morgan Arts Council, PO Box 248, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.