Renews 2011 literacy/arts program.
AMHERST - The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to renew a 2011 program, funded by an earlier grant, at Holyoke's Donahue School.
The grant is one of 817 NEA art works grants, totaling $26.3 million in funding nationwide.
The grant will enable the museum to renew its partnership with the Maurice A. Donahue School, giving the school access to nationally-acclaimed artists, field trips to the museum as well as providing professional development for teachers, according to the museum release.
“The Carle is honored to receive a second round of funding from the National Endowment for the Arts,” said Alexandra Kennedy, the museum's executive director, in a release.
“Our 2011 project, 'Picture This! Bridging Arts and Literacy,' successfully helped to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books for Donahue second graders who may not have had access to picture books. We look forward to returning to the Donahue School to implement Picture Book Art Works! and to continue our work with these terrific teachers, students, and families.”
Throughout the 2013-2014 school year, the release said, "Donahue School teachers, staff, and second-graders and their families will enjoy a rich palette of hands-on visual and performing arts experiences."
The grant will also include visits by picture book artists Eric Velasquez, James and Lesa Ransome, and Pat Cummings; Picture Book Theatre live performance and artist residency; art-making sessions; puppet show creation and performance; onsite visits by museum educators; and an exhibition of student work at the museum.
The activities are said to coordinate with the school’s Language Arts curriculum.
The announcement was made by Joan Shigekawa, acting NEA chair.
Whether it is through a focus on education, engagement, or innovation, these projects all contribute to vibrant communities and memorable opportunities for the public to engage with the arts," Shigekawa said.
In August 2012, the NEA received 1,547 eligible applications for art works grants, requesting more than $80 million in funding.
The 817 recommended NEA grants span 13 artistic disciplines and fields. Applications were reviewed by panels of outside experts convened by NEA staff and each project was judged on its artistic excellence and artistic merit.
For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, visit the NEA website at arts.gov.
Eric and Barbara Carle founded the Carle museum in November 2002. Eric Carle is the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."
Since opening, the 40,000 square foot facility has served more than half a million visitors, including 30,000 schoolchildren.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m to 5 p.m, and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m.. Open Mondays in July and August and during Massachusetts school vacation weeks.
Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children under 18, and $22.50 for a family of four. For further information and directions, call (413)-658-1100 or visit the Museum’s website at www.carlemuseum.org.