Grant to IMA Supports School Art Education

Student works on sculpture – click to enlarge – Contributed photo

San Juan Island Elementary and Middle school students will benefit from a recent grant to San Juan Islands Museum of Art (IMA) earmarked for support of the K-12 art program. A charitable foundation that supports educational projects provided $25,000 to extend, enrich, strengthen, and continue art education for public school students on San Juan Island.

When dramatic cuts in educational funding four years ago threatened to curtail or eliminate art education from elementary and middle school curricula, IMA spearheaded the effort to assure that island youth would continue to have access to quality visual arts enrichment experiences. “Support for public school arts education has always been a major focus of IMA,” affirmed Barb Ray, member of the IMA Board of Trustees.

In partnership with the San Juan Island School District and with additional support from the San Juan Island Community Foundation, the SJICF Women’s Fund, Washington State Arts Commission, local PTA organizations and others, IMA has enabled over 550 local students to engage in a variety of arts activities and learning opportunities under the guidance of qualified artist/teachers.

“We are very gratified that our efforts in school art education have been recognized,” noted Charles Bodenstab, Acting Executive Director of IMA. “This generous grant will allow us to continue and further enhance opportunities for our enthusiastic students to explore a variety of current and future arts activities.”

The mission of the San Juan Islands Museum of Art is to connect people with art that inspires, challenges, enlightens, and educates. IMA offers exhibitions, workshops, presentations, family activities, and support for local artists and community art programs and activities throughout the year. It is a leader in assuring access to art education for local youth. IMA is a registered 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and depends on donations, fundraising, and dedicated volunteers. Opening of the new IMA facility on Spring Street is slated for early July, 2014. For more information, check out the IMA website at www.sjima.org or call 360-370-5050.

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