Superbowl Sunday was not just a big day for the Patriots, it was also a big day for 6 college students who were juried to receive this year’s AAG’s scholarships. The reception will be at Shemer Art Center and Museum on Thursday March 9, 2017 from 6-8:30 pm.
The recipients will present at AAG during the general meeting on May 16, 2017.
I hope you can join us for one or both events. It is gratifying to hear the impact AAG has on these young adults. So much so that they continue to stay involved. In addition to the scholarship, they receive a one-year membership. I have stayed connected with all of last years’ recipients and am so proud to see the work they are producing, knowing in a small way we helped.
And they have been ambassadors for AAG spreading the word! Additionally, two of last year’s recipients are board members of AAG, one is also volunteering on the scholarship committee as a juror and will assist with the installation of this year’s show at Shemer. All of last years’ recipients helped distribute applications,. Several of last year’s recipients have continued to garner advice and counsel on this year’s scholarship program, and several have been involved in shows at Shemer Art Center and Museum, with one of them acting as a curator and juror for an upcoming exhibit, Photography with Presence.
Also exciting is how many individuals are donating to the fund. In addition to our fundraising events, we had the granddaughter of a member raise $350 through a high-school fundraising event, earmarked for scholarship. We are partnered with the Glendale Art Council who donates annually, and a private donor who contributes $1500 annually for a scholarship in her name. We still have a ways to go in creating a self-generating fund for this program. Anything you can do to assist be it through funds, fundraising, or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Each donation of $25,000 goes directly into our scholarship investment fund generating a $1000. annual scholarship in the donor’s name in perpetuity. Please reach out to me if this is something you would like to do, find out more information about, or to stipulate in your will.
2018 ushers in our 90th year. It’s an exciting time! Planning is already underway to celebrate our endurance, sustainability and impact. Our mission has not wavered much through the years – promoting the arts through education, exhibition and outreach. Historically we have been strong in exhibition and education. Over the last few years the Outreach program has grown and is at its historical strongest. In addition to the scholarship program, we are offering free monthly art classes to veterans, non-English speaking elderly refugees at an adult center, and to young girls who have been sexually abused or trafficked. We are working with the Az Arts Commission in expanding our reach to isolated elderly whose lives can be transformed through art and the socialization at AAG. It is an exciting time for us at AAG.
Be sure to join us at the Artstravaganza on March 10, with proceeds divided between our scholarship and outreach programs. It’s a fun-filled creative evening with proceeds going to a great cause.
Thank you all for your continued support and interest in AAG. Have a creative and inspired month.
Tess
