The Arts
112

Mista Ludwick's Art Classroom
Any AmountTeacher: Craig Ludwick
School: Aguilar Junior/Senior High School
District: Aguilar School District
District Website: https://www.aguilarschools.com/en-US?showHomepage=true
School Address: 420 Balsam Ave
Grade Level: 8-12
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Mista Ludwick's Art Classroom
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Amount Requested: $2,000
Project Description:
Hello there,
My name is Craig Ludwick, and I have been teaching Art Education for the past four years. This year I started teaching at a small rural junior/senior high school in Colorado. Although the drive is long, I am excited to undertake this new challenge. I wholeheartedly believe in the importance of arts programs in schools and in seeing each student as a creative individual, even if they don't yet have the confidence to see that in themselves. With your help, we can build an amazing classroom with the tools they need to succeed.
Proposal:
My vision is to create an amazing classroom environment that harnesses each student's unique ability to create whatever they envision. We have some basic materials such as crayons, colored pencils, paints, and paper, but we will inevitably need more. I am starting from zero, as I am coming in after a few teachers who were just filling in. I want to completely change the culture of the art room at my school.
Many students here face hardships, often living with extended family members, making it difficult for them to get even basic art supplies. With the success of this project, I can designate this space as a safe, creative outlet, away from the troubles of school life. A clean, well-organized classroom will help students feel more comfortable and creative. Success in the art room is directly linked to success in other academic areas as well.
Budget Breakdown:
The funding will be used for:
- Classroom organization: bins, sorters, drying racks
- Supplies: scissors, glue, paint, colored pencils, tissues, sanitizer
- Classroom decor: posters, lights, and other items to create a creative space
113

Vilas Multimedia Class
Any AmountTeacher: Shelby Painter
School: Vilas School District
District: Vilas School District
District Website: www.vilask12.org
School Address: 202 Collingwood Ave, Vilas, CO 81087
Grade Level: 9-12 Multimedia/Yearbook
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Vilas Multimedia Class
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Amount Requested: $1,800
Project Description:
Please help me supply my students with the items they need to be successful in learning how to record and produce high-quality videos and photos. Our current equipment is outdated and no longer meets the quality standards we aim for. With this funding, we can update our equipment, enhance our multimedia classes, and improve our students' ability to produce professional-level news broadcasts and yearbook content.
Proposal:
Our multimedia program has a limited budget, which constrains our ability to provide students with the necessary tools for producing content. Updated equipment will allow us to significantly improve the quality of our productions and provide students with a hands-on learning experience. By supplying our students with the proper tools, we aim to prepare them for potential careers in multimedia, with a solid foundation in recording, producing, and editing videos and photos. Your support would make a lasting impact on their education and the community.
Budget Breakdown:
- New Camera: $1,399
- 2 Hard Drives: $28.31 each
- New iPad: $319
- Total: $1,800
Photos:

114

Art Palooza!
Any AmountTeacher: Cara Thompson
School: Arriba-Flagler CSD #20
District: Arriba-Flagler CSD #20
District Website: Arriba-Flagler CSD #20
School Address: 421 Julian Avenue, Flagler, CO 80815
Grade Level: Kindergarten-All subjects
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Art Palooza!
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Amount Requested: $500
Project Description:
Over the past eight years of teaching kindergarten, my art supplies for my students have dwindled. I strive to offer my students hands-on activities and craft projects that spark their creativity and imagination. By engaging in craft projects, both free choice and teacher-led, art boosts student focus and the overall learning process. Art activities can also help reduce stress/anxiety levels in students, boost their self-esteem, and improve their problem-solving skills and working memory. My rural school, which serves students from preschool through twelfth grade, currently does not offer an art program. I am requesting funds to ensure my young students have access to craft supplies. Your donation to my Art Palooza! project will open up a world of creativity for my students!
Project Goals:
The funds will go towards craft supplies, as well as some general school supplies, for my rural kindergarten classroom. I view art as a highly important subject for my students to have access to throughout the week. My school currently does not offer an art program for any of our preschool-twelfth grade students, making art a requirement for classroom teachers to cover.
Budget Breakdown:
Crayola Washable Watercolor Paint Set (2 packs)--$96.00
Crayola Broad Line Markers (256 count)--$55.00
2.7 Quart Plastic Storage Containers (2 packs)--$54.00
Crayola Classpack Crayons (800 count)--$47.00
Prang Construction Paper, 9x12, Assorted Colors (500 sheets)(2 packs)--$45.00
Scratch and Sniff Stickers (2 packs)--$28.00
Play-Doh Bulk Pack (48 cans)--$26.00
Prand Medium Weight Construction Paper, 12x18, Assorted Colors (100 sheets) (3 packs)--$23.00
Chenille Kraft Acrylic Gemstones--$21.00
Crayola Colors of the World (2 packs)--$17.00
Paper Plates, 9" (100 count)--$10.00
Elmers Glue Sticks (30 pack)--$10.00
Chenille Pipe Cleaners (234 count)--$10.00
Elmers Liquid Glue (12 pack)--$6.00
Jumbo Wooden Craft Sticks (100 count)--$5.00
Jumbo Colored Wooden Craft Sticks (200 count)--$4.00
120

Enhancing the Visual Arts
Any AmountTeacher: Lisa Smith
School: Hanover Junior Senior High School
Address: 17050 S Peyton Hwy, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925
Grade Level: 6-12 Visual Art
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Enhancing the Visual Arts
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Funding Amount Requested: $1,920
Project Description:
I aim to provide my art students with a wider variety of specialty art supplies to enhance their creativity and art-making experience. Our class follows the TAB (Teaching Artistic Behavior) model, which empowers students to pursue their artistic interests freely, treating the art room as their studio. Each student has unique creative preferences, such as sculpture, printmaking, or painting, and having a broader range of materials allows them to follow their passions. As a rural school with a high poverty rate of 65%, many of my students have limited access to art supplies outside of school. The art classroom provides a much-needed outlet for their creativity and expression, with many students stating that art is the highlight of their day. This grant would enable me to stock our classroom with much-needed materials and further transition it into a choice-based environment.
Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Impact:
Art supplies are often expensive, and I must limit students' use of some materials due to budget constraints. This grant will allow me to purchase materials like wire, tape, and adhesive for sculptures, along with popular items like Posca paint markers and Model Magic clay. I also plan to enhance our printmaking setup, which students love, by stocking more supplies such as Gelli printing plates and linoleum blocks. My goal is to enable students to freely follow their creative passions without the limitations of our current budget. Art is vital for my students, offering a way for them to explore complex ideas and emotions, often becoming a major reason they stay engaged in school.
Use of Funds:
- Xacto paper cutter: $237
- Gelli printing plates: $216
- Gelli tools: $12
- Linoleum printing blocks: $184
- Printmaking ink: $76
- Prismacolor colored pencils: $54
- Nickel wire: $68
- Rubber Rollers: $58
- Barens: $45
- Lino cutters: $127
- Benchhooks: $73
- Elmers Glue (gallons): $73
- Posca markers (varieties): $156
- Model Magic clay: $180
- Watercolor paper: $140
- Hot glue sticks: $102
- Masking tape: $66
- Clear tape: $50
Total: $1,920
121

Spray a New Horizon
Any AmountTeacher: Marianne Hale
School: Tiger Trades Academy
Address: 1401 E 6th St, La Junta, CO 81050
Grade Level: 7th-12th Art
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Spray a New Horizon
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Funding Amount Requested: $750
Project Description:
Tiger Trades Academy is the smallest school in our district, with a student population primarily from low-income homes. Many students work part-time jobs to support their families. Our art students have been invited to participate in the third year of the downtown La Junta mural painting project. To expand their artistic skills, we are requesting funds to purchase an airbrush and paints. This will allow students to work on larger-scale mural projects on canvas and create airbrushed t-shirts to sell, further supporting their art education and providing them with practical, entrepreneurial experience.
Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Impact:
Our students are creative and unique artists. By purchasing a spray gun and paints, we can introduce them to new media and techniques for creating art on canvas, t-shirts, and wall murals. The students have already participated in local mural projects and have been featured in local art shows and fairs, with one student earning a full scholarship to Otero College. This grant will enable us to continue fostering their artistic talents and help them achieve greater accomplishments.
Use of Funds:
- Grex Tritium Series Airbrush Combo Kits: $439.00
- Createx Wicked Colors Airbrush Color - 2 oz, Set of 17: $72.00
- Iwata Medea NuWorlds Airbrush Paints and Sets: $140.00
Total: $750
122

Of Course We Can Make That!
Any AmountTeacher: Lyndsey Lynch
School: Hanover Junior Senior High School
Address: 17050 S Peyton Hwy
Grade Level: 6-8 Science, 9-12 Marketing
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Of Course We Can Make That!
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Funding Amount Requested: $2,049
Project Description:
I teach at Hanover Junior-Senior High School, which is located in a remote area, about 30 minutes from the nearest stores. Our school is small, but it offers unique opportunities, such as allowing me to create a marketing class where students learn how to design custom stickers and clothing. They also gain valuable experience in running a small business through our school store. This class aligns with English, Computer Literacy, and Art CDE standards. The hands-on skills students learn, from using design software to producing physical products, help prepare them for life after high school.
I started this class as a test three years ago, and now I have two sections with 12 excited students each. Initially, I used my own vinyl cutter and heat press from home, and last year the school purchased an additional heat press. Now, I am requesting two more vinyl cutters and a direct-to-fabric printer. These tools will enable my students to expand their creative projects and keep production costs down, especially as we have been tasked with designing uniforms for our track team.
Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Impact:
This project will allow my students to work more efficiently by having access to two additional vinyl cutters, giving more students the opportunity to design and create their own products. The direct-to-fabric printer will enable us to produce detailed designs at a lower cost, benefiting both our class projects and the school store. These experiences will teach students the practical aspects of running a business, including production costs and marketing.
Use of Funds:
- MZK DTF Printer A4 L805 Transfer Machine: $1,499
- Two Brother ScanNCut SDX85C Vinyl Cutters: $274.99 each
130

Yearbook Cameras Upgrade
Any AmountTeacher: Jane Dills Spencer
School: Ellicott Middle School
District: Ellicott School District 22
Address: 322 South Ellicott Highway. Calhan, CO. 80808
Grade Level: ELA 7, Yearbook, Dance
Region: Southeast
Project Title: Yearbook Cameras Upgrade
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Funding Amount Requested: $1680
Project Description:
Jane Dills Spencer is requesting funds to purchase four Canon cameras to enhance the Ellicott Middle School Yearbook program. Despite being the only school in El Paso County to win the Jostens National Gold Award for two consecutive years, the program currently only has one camera. Many students do not own cell phones, limiting their ability to take photos during school events. With additional cameras, students will have greater access to participate in yearbook photography, a critical component of the course. The new cameras will allow students to better capture important school moments, contributing to the quality of the yearbook.
Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Impact:
These four cameras will directly benefit the students involved in the Yearbook program by providing them with the necessary tools to enhance their photography skills. Students who do not own phones will no longer be limited in their ability to contribute, making the program more inclusive. By increasing access to cameras, the yearbook will better represent school events and moments, improving the overall quality and creativity of the final product.
Use of Funds:
The funds will be used to purchase four Canon EOS 4000D / Rebel T100 DSLR Cameras with EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lenses, each priced at $419. The cameras come in a 34-piece bundle including memory cards, tripods, cases, and additional accessories. The total cost for the four cameras is $1680.
209

Scripts and Licensing
Any AmountTeacher: Melanie Duke
School: Custer County High School
District: Custer County
District Website: https://www.custercountyschools.org/
School Address: 709 Main Street, Custer County, CO
Grade Level: High School Drama
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Scripts and Licensing
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Amount Requested: $1,610
Project Description:
My name is Melanie Duke, and I teach at a rural school with deep ranching roots. When I joined in 2021, I discovered that COVID-19 had nearly wiped out our arts program. I took on the challenge of reviving the drama department, and it has since become a crucial space for students who aren't into ranching or athletics. Our program helps them find community, acceptance, self-confidence, and creativity.
We stage two productions each year, each costing between $2,500 and $3,000 for licensing, scripts, costumes, theater rental, and sets. This fall, we're excited to present "Eurydice" by Sarah Ruhl, which explores beautiful themes of love and loss. We need $1,610 to cover the performance license, script, and performance space rental.
Proposal:
This project will fund the costs of staging our fall production, "Eurydice," by Sarah Ruhl, allowing our students to explore their creative and leadership skills. The funds will cover the amateur performance fee, script purchase, and performance space rental.
Budget Breakdown:
- Amateur Performance Fee: $390
- Eurydice Acting Edition Scripts (10): $121.10
- Performance Space Rental: $1,200
Total: $1,610
Photos:
220

Glenwood Community Art Show
Any AmountTeacher: Tiffany Burton
School: Glenwood Springs Elementary School
District: RE-1 Roaring Fork School District
District Website: https://gses.rfsd.k12.co.us/
School Address: 915 School Street, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Grade Level: K-5 Art
Region: Central Mountains
Project Title: Glenwood Community Art Show
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Amount Requested: $1,000
Project Description:
HELP US KEEP THIS ANNUAL ART SHOW TRADITION ALIVE! Glenwood Springs Elementary School, Sopris Elementary School, Riverview School, and Two Rivers Community School wish to continue displaying artworks from 5th-grade students at the Glenwood Springs Community Art Center. This creative endeavor benefits the entire Glenwood community and is cherished throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. The event also allows students from other grades to take field trips to the Art Center, enabling them to view their peers' artwork in an official gallery space. Participating in a community art show helps boost students' self-esteem and deepens their passion for the arts.
Proposal:
We have lost our funding for this annual showcase and are requesting funds to cover the costs associated with hosting the show. The event involves preparing the gallery space, creating flyers in both English and Spanish, hosting an opening night, and providing refreshments for attendees. The showcase allows students to express their creativity, and the community to celebrate their artistic achievements.
Budget Breakdown:
- 10 hours to hang the show: $300
- 5 hours to take down the show: $150
- Flyer creation and distribution: $90
- Building use (Jan. 13th - Feb. 28th): $240
- Opening night costs: $120
- Cookies, lemonade, and hanging materials for opening night: $100
Total Request: $1,000
Photos:
305

3D Tech plus Sculpture
Any AmountTeacher: Samantha Wisener
School: Ortega Middle School
District: Alamosa School District
District Website: https://oms.alamosaschools.org/
School Address: 401 Victoria Ave, Alamosa, CO 81101
Grade Level: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade; Art
Region: San Luis Valley
Project Title: 3D Tech plus Sculpture
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Amount Requested: $2,000
Project Description:
I teach at Ortega Middle School (OMS), which serves a highly diverse student population. My goal is to introduce my students to the integration of art, technology, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills through the use of 3D printers. By teaching students to create and print sculptures, I aim to empower them to see the vast potential in themselves, in art, and in the technology industry. In our small, underserved community of Alamosa, access to such resources is often limited, but by providing 3D printers, we can offer students a hands-on experience that many wealthier schools enjoy.
Proposal:
The project will provide three 3D printers and filament for my art students. I plan to use these printers to teach them how to create, design, and print sculptures using modern technology. Additionally, we would design a collaborative project, such as a large-scale dragon sculpture to hang in the art room. This experience will introduce students to technological creativity and innovation, integrating STEM concepts into the art curriculum. Given the cultural diversity of our students-from Hispanic, Guatemalan, and Native American backgrounds to ranchers and farmers-this project will expose them to new forms of artistic expression while developing valuable STEM skills.
Budget Breakdown:
- Three FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printers - $300 each (Total: $900)
- Filament for student projects - $1,100
Total Request: $2,000
Photos:
307

K-12 Art Room Equipment
Any AmountTeacher: Amanda Relaford
School: Creede School District
District: Creede School District
District Website: creedek12.net
School Address: 450 Corsair Dr., Creede, CO
Grade Level: K-12 Art
Region: San Luis Valley
Project Title: K-12 Art Room Equipment
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Amount Requested: $1,500
Project Description:
I am requesting funds for a few pieces of equipment and accessories that I think will greatly benefit the students in my classroom. Creede is a small mountain town with roughly 400 year-round residents, and the school only has around 100 students K-12. The Inventables that I am requesting funding for will allow the students to utilize cardboard even more than they already do. The 3D printer I am requesting funding for will allow students to learn about 3D printing, which is becoming more and more prevalent in commercial use.
Project Details:
I am requesting funding for two Inventables, which is a power tool for cutting cardboard. Inventables were specifically designed so that they are safe for children of all ages to use. I highly encourage going to their website and watching a demonstration video. It allows students to safely cut cardboard and teaches them the basics of power tool usage. I only see my Elementary students for a total of one hour a week, half an hour at a time. Cutting cardboard for students who aren't able to cut it on their own takes up a lot of time, and keeps me from spending one-on-one time with each student. I believe that the Inventables will help with this issue, and encourage independent creation.
I am also requesting funding for a 3D printer that is specifically recommended for classrooms. The Adventurer 5M Pro has a fast print speed, which is great because many students want to make prints at a time. Before the 3D printer that I inherited with my classroom broke, I was constantly printing for students. It is a piece of equipment that the students frequently ask about, and whether I've been able to fix it. Unfortunately, it seems that the model we currently have breaks down after a few years. I am requesting funding for the Adventurer 5M Pro because it has a better track record of reliability and longevity. It also has built-in filtration, which is safer for the students.
Budget Breakdown:
- Adventurer 5M Pro 3D Printer: $600
- 3D Printer Filament: $200
- Two Inventables: $450
- Accessories: $117
- Total: $1,500 (rounded up to account for tax and shipping)
Photos:
401

New Courses = New Opportunity
Any AmountTeacher: Kendra England
School: Calhan High School, Calhan School District
Town: Calhan, CO
Region: Northeast Colorado
Grade Level: High School Social Studies
Project Title: New Courses = New Opportunities!
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Amount Requested: $1,750
Principal: Stephanie Curtis
School Website: calhanschool.org
Project Description:
Kendra England, a high school social studies teacher at Calhan High School in Calhan, CO, is requesting funds to launch a new Digital Media course for students in grades 9-12. This course will cover essential skills like graphic design, photography, video production, and web design, providing students with hands-on experience in digital media creation. Unfortunately, the school currently lacks the necessary resources to offer this course. With the funds, students will have access to a camera, gear, and curriculum resources, enabling them to develop digital portfolios that will enhance their future job prospects and grow creativity and critical thinking skills in the digital age.
Project Proposal:
The "New Courses = New Opportunities!" project will allow Calhan High School to provide its students with a comprehensive Digital Media course. This course will teach digital media production, including photography, video production, and web design, helping students develop technical proficiency in digital tools and software. Through this course, students will gain valuable skills for their future careers, collaborate on creative projects, and build digital portfolios that can be used for job applications or college admissions.
Budget Narrative:
- Digital & Social Media Marketing Course & Bundle: $266
- Nikon Z 50 Two Lens Kit: $1,349.95
- EN-EL25a Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery: $69.95
- PNY 128GB Flash Memory Card 2-Pack: $20
- MOSISO Camera Backpack: $40
- Shipping Costs Buffer: $5
- Total: $1,750
Images:
Digital Media Course Image 1
Digital Media Course Image 2
410

Theatrical Lighting
Any AmountTeacher: Kendra Hixon
School: Eaton High School
District: Eaton School District
District Website: https://www.eaton.k12.co.us/eatonhighschool
School Address: 1661 Collins Street, Eaton, CO 80615
Grade Level: 9-12
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Theatrical Lighting
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Amount Requested: $530
Project Description:
Eaton High School is known for its excellence both academically and athletically, and the performing arts department is no exception. Our goal is to continue improving with each performance. For this year's fall play, Radium Girls, a story about the brave girls who stood up for their right to a safe work environment, we'd like to enhance the technical aspects of the show by incorporating hanging Edison lights to mimic the radium plant, the main location in the play. These lights will provide our students with hands-on experience working with a new lighting element while adding a dynamic atmosphere to the show.
Proposal:
Incorporating Edison lights into our fall play will enhance both the students' technical knowledge and the audience's experience. These lights will also be used for other events such as jazz concerts, choir performances, and our Christmas concert, allowing the performing arts department to add a fresh, professional element to all productions. This grant will allow us to focus our financial resources on essentials like royalties, scripts, and costumes, while still improving the technical elements of our productions.
Budget Breakdown:
- Lighting adapters ($39 each)
- Edison lighting kits ($22 each)
- Edison bulbs ($13-$25 each)
- Total estimated cost: $504
- Shipping and expedited fees included in the total request: $530
417

Kiln Furniture for Ceramics
Any AmountTeacher: Jason Rydgren
School: Platte Valley High School
District: Platte Valley Re-7
District Website: pvre7.org
School Address: 901 Campbell Street, Kersey, CO
Grade Level: 9-12 Visual Arts
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Kiln Furniture for Ceramics
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Amount Requested: $900
Project Description:
Kiln furniture is equipment that fits inside a kiln to increase capacity when firing. Our town is Kersey, a small agricultural community just east of Greeley. This project will allow for quicker turn-around and firing times in our 9-week class format.
Project Justification:
Funds will be used to purchase kiln furniture for our Skutt 1227 Kiln, which will help improve the efficiency of our ceramics program, allowing students to complete more projects within the limited class time.
Budget Breakdown:
$900 will be allocated toward purchasing kiln furniture to maximize the kiln's capacity and reduce turnaround time.
Photos:
Kiln Furniture Photo
422

Expression & Exploration
Any AmountTeacher: Wendi K Oster
School: Platte Valley Middle School
Address: 700 Hill Street, Kersey, CO 80644
Grade Level: 6-8th Visual Art
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Expression & Exploration
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Funding Amount Requested: $2,000
Project Description:
I teach middle-level art at Platte Valley Middle School, located in the small rural town of Kersey, CO. My goal is to provide my students with quality materials and opportunities to explore their creativity through a choice-based studio. I would like to invite local artists to conduct one-day studio workshops with my students, giving them the chance to experience the creative process firsthand and understand what drives professional artists in their careers. The funds will be used to purchase supplies for these workshops and provide thank-you gifts for the participating artists. With a large portion of our students on the free and reduced lunch program, this would be an enriching opportunity to broaden their perspectives by bringing a little of the outside world into our classroom.
Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Impact:
This project will expose students to different media and creative processes that we currently do not have access to, as well as provide insights into the business side of being an artist. By learning from guest artists, students will better understand art as a viable career, observe the creative process in action, and gain an appreciation for different perspectives. The workshops will provide hands-on access to new techniques and media, allowing students to grow in their creative journey and foster a sense of pride and purpose in their community.
Use of Funds:
Guest Artist: Melissa Calderon
- Area of Expertise: Needle Felting and Floral Design
- Supplies: Flowers, vases, ribbons, etc. $450
- Appreciation Gift: $50
Guest Artist: Armando Silva
- Area of Expertise: Muralist and Screen Printing
- Supplies: Exterior paint, shirts, screens, ink $450
- Appreciation Gift: $50
Guest Artist: David Dougherty
- Area of Expertise: Photography
- Supplies: Disposable or digital cameras and printing costs $450
- Appreciation Gift: $50
Guest Artist: Clark Ellis
- Area of Expertise: Collage and Mixed Media Design
- Supplies: Recycled and found objects from thrift stores, wood for base, and tools to attach $450
- Appreciation Gift: $50
439

Art Room Supply List
Any AmountTeacher: Natasha Biesemeier
School: Lone Star School
District: Lone Star School District
Website: https://www.lonestarschool.net/
Address: 44940 County Road 54, Otis, CO 80743
Grade Level: K-12
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Art Room Supply List
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Funding Amount Requested: $1,040
Project Description:
Natasha Biesemeier is requesting funds to update and improve the art room at Lone Star School in Otis, CO, which serves 121 students in a rural area. Due to budget constraints, Natasha stepped in to teach K-4th grade art in addition to her primary role at the school. This grant will help purchase new supplies and equipment to create a more functional and organized art space. With better materials and organization, Natasha aims to provide her students with more hands-on time to focus on art and creativity. The funds will be used to replace outdated and broken materials, organize supplies more efficiently, and invest in long-lasting, high-quality items to improve the art program.
Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Impact:
This project will benefit all K-12 students at Lone Star School by providing updated, high-quality art materials and a more organized classroom environment. With these new tools, students will have more time to focus on their creative projects rather than spending time gathering supplies. The project will also support the teachers who are stepping up to ensure that art education continues, despite the school's limited budget. Improved functionality and quality of materials will help students engage more deeply with their artistic expression and provide them with a better overall learning experience.
Use of Funds:
The funds will be used to purchase the following materials:
- Amazon: 48 color Washable Watercolor Paint Set with 3 brushes and palette - $319.60
- Amazon: IRIS Portable Organizer Plastic Project Storage Case Box - $119.97
- Amazon: Ready 2 Learn Triangle Grip Paint Brushes - Set of 6 - $35.97
- Blick: Back-to-back Table Rack - $320
- The Classroom Store: Color Mixing Trays and Covers - $59.60
- The Classroom Store: Plastic Storage Caddy - $36.54
- The Classroom Store: Round Colossal Brushes - $67.98
- Discount School Supply: Washable Tempera Paints 16 oz. set of 19 - $79.99
443

Tools for Realistic Drawing
Any AmountTeacher: David Harbeson
School: Lochbuie Elementary School
District: Weld County School District RE3J
Address: 201 Bonanza Blvd, Lochbuie CO 80603
Grade Level: 4th, 5th, 6th, (+ 7th & 8th)
Region: Northeast
Project Title: Tools for Realistic Drawing
Category: Music, Journalism and the Arts
Funding Amount Requested: $1293
Project Description:
David Harbeson is requesting funds to provide students in grades 4th-8th at Lochbuie Elementary with specific tools to improve their realistic drawing skills. He aims to supply proportional dividers, light boxes, and alcohol markers. These tools will help students measure accurately, trace effectively, and blend colors more realistically, enhancing their overall drawing abilities. Through this project, students will experience improved confidence and a mindset shift, learning that with persistence, they can improve in areas they previously thought impossible.
Photos:
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Impact:
Providing these tools will enable students to improve their drawing accuracy and confidence. The use of proportional dividers will help them measure reference images with precision, while light boxes will assist them in quickly making minor changes to their drawings. The introduction of alcohol markers will allow for smoother color blending, elevating their artwork to new levels of realism. By experiencing success in realistic drawing, students will also gain transferable skills that can boost their confidence in other areas of life.
Use of Funds:
The funds will be used to purchase 25 proportional dividers at $10 each ($250 total), 6 sets of alcohol markers at $58.78 each ($353 total), and 25 rechargeable light boxes at $24 each ($600 total). The total project cost is $1293, including an estimated $90 for tax.
627

South Routt Ceramics
Any AmountTeacher: Cassandra Goss
School: South Routt Elementary
Website: South Routt School District RE3
Address: PO Box 158, 305 South Grant St, Oak Creek, CO 80467
Grade Level: PreK-5 Art
Region: Northwest
Project Title: South Routt Ceramics
Category: Music, Journalism, and the Arts
Funding Amount Requested: $1,800
Project Description:
I am requesting funds for the kiln in our school, and the materials and supplies required to make decorative crafts. I would like our students to experience the diverse world of art and not have to limit them because we are a small school district.
Impact:
Because we are a small rural farming community, most of our students only experience the beauty of nature's canvas and are limited in their opportunities for self-expression. My hope with this ceramics project is to give students a chance to show their beloved community through their own creativity. The kiln we have seems to be working, but it has not been used for several years, so it may require some equipment maintenance. In addition, I will need new clay, brushes, ceramic paints, glazes, sculpting tools, and platforms or stands for the pottery to set on.
Use of Funds:
The funds will be used for:
- Clay
- Brushes
- Ceramic paints and glazes
- Sculpting tools
- Platforms or stands for pottery
- Potential kiln maintenance
These resources will ensure that our students can fully engage in the creative process and express themselves through ceramics.
