Our Programs
Arts in Education Initiative
A new AHA! Committee has been formed to focus on arts in education activities in Jefferson County. The first focus of this committee will be on in-school programs. The committee will research how existing programs, are meeting the needs of students and how they can be augmented.
In the coming months committee members will be creating a data base of school principals and arts educators in the county, researching what is mandated for Jefferson County Schools in arts education and talking to arts educators to gather perspectives on the current situation. Those interested in participating with this program are invited to contact Quincy Northrup at (304) 876-2420.
A Community Grants Success Story
This year, thanks to a grant from AHA!, the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library enhanced its summer reading program, "A Cultural Kaleidoscope", to include art projects that introduced children to the cultures of Japan, the Caribbean, ancient Egypt and Native Americans.
Artists Toni Lawrence, Anna Justice and Jacquie Ring-Salguerno brought their multi-cultural experiences to life for the children by teaching Origami, Caribbean dance-the salsa, mamba and merenque- and Native American lore. They also helped the children experience different cultural food tastes and create cultural items such as Native American medicine bags and Egyptian tomb plaques. Miss Carol brought a life-size "mummy" (Nakht) to the final session and everyone had a chance to learn more about the embalming techniques practiced by the ancient Egyptians.
Each student who completed the reading and artwork requirements of the program received a certificate and a classic children's book to cherish.
The grant was instrumental in allowing the library to invite the visiting artists, who added a dimension of excitement and fun to the traditional summer reading program.
