Local nonprofits ensure continuation of CSD K-8 art programs in 2024-2025 school year

LEAVENWORTH – Through a collaborative “Save the K-8 Art Teachers” effort, Village Art in the Park (VAP) and Icicle Creek Center for the Arts (ICCA) were able to support the salaries of two art teachers and $6,000 worth of art supplies for Peshastin-Dryden Elementary, Alpine Lakes Elementary, and Icicle River Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year.

“I think nonprofits do, traditionally, especially in the arts world, play a really important role in making sure that both arts experiences and education continue,” said Phil Lacey, ICCA Executive Director.

The decision to support K-8 art in CSD came about this spring, when the district was facing budgetary challenges amid enrollment decline. The district was going to cut the middle school position, and was considering splitting instruction and resources between the middle school and high school as in previous years, according to CSD Superintendent Tracey Edou. 

“In our district, we have a value of artful creativity. Unfortunately, we just don't have this state funding to support it at the level that we want,” said Edou.

The elementary art program had previously been partially funded through an Icicle Fund grant, with an instructor provided through Methow Arts Alliance for three-years. As CSD looked to renew the grant, a discussion sparked with ICCA about taking on Methow Arts Alliance’s role. However, CSD was unable to renew the Icicle Fund grant, leading ICCA to bring VAP into the conversation.

“So we had already kind of had a game plan around the elementary art partnership, and then when we had the middle school art component as well, we all met as a large group…all kind of problem solving together for how we could have this partnership go K-8 rather than K-5,” said Edou.

VAP committed $6,000 total in art supplies, with $2,000 going to each school. The art teachers were able to decide what to purchase with the money, whether it was consumable supplies like paper and paint, or more permanent supplies like drying racks and organizational bins. Then, Baker put in the order.

“I get kind of giddy thinking about buying a lot of supplies. Oh, all the mess that is going to ensue, and then the artwork that's going to come out of it. And knowing that we're giving the teachers more [of a] budget than they had even when times were okay with the schools makes me happy,” said Callie Baker, VAP Executive Director.

ICCA is funding the entire salary of the elementary school art teacher, Amber Zimmerman, and 90 percent of the salary of the middle school art teacher, Lore Smart. CSD is covering the remaining 10 percent.

“Arts education isn't just art skills, but it is very much a venue for emotional education…Developing self confidence, and the ability to express themselves, and to talk about sometimes difficult subjects. Art is a gateway or a catalyst for helping these kids grow,” said Lacey.

Both ICCA and VAP have facets of supporting arts education in the community, due to a long list of its benefits. By supporting visual arts education at an early age, students are able to develop skill progression that supports a potential career path, express themselves in a way that transcends economic and language barriers, and find ways to connect with their families.

“It provides a great way to engage families in the same way that, like a family would go to a dance recital, when their child brings home a piece of art that they've created, or invites the family to the school to look at the school gallery,” said Lacey.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media