SEELEY LAKE – For the past two years, students at Seeley Lake Elementary School have the opportunity to be creative in their classrooms thanks to community support through the Alpine Artisans, Inc (AAI) Giving Tree for art supplies. The AAI Giving Tree is continuing again this year raising money for supplies that support art in the classrooms.
Seeley Lake artist Kris Gullikson started the Giving Tree for art supplies in 2018.
“The idea came from my heart being an artist. I knew that the supplies they had were limited,” said Gullikson. “I saw the need and felt like I was able to help.”
In the past two years, the AAI Giving Tree has raised more than $2,100 for both SLE and Swan Valley Elementary Schools with nearly $1,700 for SLE. Community members are encouraged to pick a tag off the tree at the Mission Mountains Mercantile in Condon for Swan Valley Elementary or the Grizzly Claw to support SLE. Drop cash or check (made out to Alpine Artisans, Inc.) into the coffee can at the Grizzly Claw or check stand at the Merc and “Feel the glow from contributing to a child’s creativity,” Gullikson said. Donations can also be made by mailing a check to AAI, P. O. Box 841, Seeley Lake, MT 59868. If sending a check, please note to which school, SLE or Swan Valley the donation should be given.
This winter, AAI will present each school with a check designated for art supplies. Teachers can request the funds to purchase the supplies they need.
In addition to the Giving Tree, AAI donated $386 to the art program at Seeley-Swan High School. This was a response to the request from the SSHS art teacher in September sharing the need for additional art supplies due to COVID-19.
Gullikson reminds students and parents that if they see a need in their classroom for art supplies, to tell their teacher about the funding through the AAI Giving Tree.
“People are very giving this time of year,” said Gullikson. “Why not let the kids benefit from it?”
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