Art Supplies Giving Trees offer support to local schools

Alpine Artisans, Inc. presented Seeley Lake Elementary school and Swan Valley School with checks for art supplies this past week. The annual AAI Art Supplies Giving Tree raised $348 for SLE and $221 for Swan Valley School.

Seeley Lake artist Kris Gullikson started the Giving Tree for art supplies last year. She has been a guest artist in several classrooms and while the students had supplies, they were very well used.

"The teachers have been spending money out of their pocket for years," said Gullikson. "I'm just trying to help."

Gullikson has worked with both the first and second grade classes this fall instructing them on different watercolor techniques.

"The donations from Alpine Artisans have enriched the second grade art program immensely," wrote SLE second grade teacher Pattie Crum in an email. "Without their donation, funding for art supplies is in a general fund to split with all other expenses for my classroom. This allows me to purchase actual canvas, watercolor paper, acrylic paint, watercolor paints and many other types of supplies. I am able to really teach the children!"

SLE first grade teacher Rachel Bemis echoed Crum's appreciation for the funding. Since there is no art teacher at SLE, it falls on her as a general education teacher to incorporate art into her classroom.

"It is easy to have the ideas but we typically don't have the funding to incorporate them," said Bemis. "This is an extra above and beyond thing that we wouldn't normally be able to do. We are excited."

Teachers at Swan Valley School were also thankful for the generous donation. Junior High teacher Colleen Harrington said the supplies "will surely enhance the artistic endeavors of all students in the junior high."

Kindergarten through second grade teacher Chris Mauldin said, "Education in the 21st century is built upon the knowledge that learning happens best when the whole brain is involved.  Combining fundamental concepts with creative arts facilitates the development of high-level expression and experience in the classroom.  This gift from Alpine Artisans allows us as teachers to supplement classroom materials in a way that will keep us on the cutting-edge."

AAI Treasurer Gene Schade thanked the community for their support of the Art Supplies Giving Tree and the Grizzly Claw Trading Company in Seeley Lake and the Swan Valley Centre in Condon for displaying the tree in December.

SLE Superintendent Daniel Schrock added, "Anytime that we can partner with local organizations that have a heart for kids and our school, I feel honored to do so."