Ten organizations recently were awarded grants through the State of the Arts (SOTA) Grant Program of the St. Johns Cultural Council.
This year’s grantees represent a diverse range of cultural activities serving diverse populations such as homeless children given an opportunity to take piano lessons, at-risk students who can learn art as an incentive to complete homework, and senior citizens who can create art and practice the art of storytelling.
Spring SOTA grants were given for the following cultural programs:
Felicia Regan and Keys to Success – Music Program for St. Luke’s A.M.E. Church and Transitional Housing Program for Homeless Families
Caren Goldman and Compassion Through the Eyes of Children 3, Incarcerated Youth Obelisk Program
Morgan Kelly – Island Turtle, Tales of Sand and Sea, Puppetry Project
Heather Hagy, Exploring Printmaking in the Arts – silk-screening, Sebastian Middle School
Darlene Mahany, Council on Aging Players Senior Center – The Art of Silk Scarf Painting
Kristin Pidcock and Education at Limelight Theatre – The Storytelling Project at the Council on Aging
Laurie Schreve and Valley Ridge Academy Art Smart Program – Monthly Art Smart Projects
Ted Voorhees and Cyprian Center for the Expressive Arts – Inside Out: Seeing Days in the Lives of Incarcerated Children
Valerie P. Mull and Friends of the Main Library St. Augustine, The Main Art Studio – Art Lessons will be provided for adults who have little artistic experience and would like to sample different mediums
Nancy Christensen and St. Johns County-based Artists for After-School at-risk children and ACE Program Artist Cultural Education program – visiting artists
“These are small grants – up to $500 – that have big impact,” Andy Witt, St. Johns Cultural Council executive director said. “The St. Johns Cultural Council is proud to support so many worthy programs that help youth at risk, elders, arts in schools, and engage artists in valuable community development.”
Support for the program is generated through the sale or renewal of a “State-of-the-Arts” license plate in St. Johns County. Each license plate generates $20 for this designated fund.
The Cultural Council board opens the process for these micro-grants twice a year – spring and fall. This year, the St. Johns Cultural Council received more applications for grants than ever before, making the process a highly competitive one. Applications are reviewed by a board committee, and award winners are selected according to compliance with the grant guidelines. The next cycle of funding will be in the fall. Applications are available at www.stjohnsculture.com.
