A local program that gives students a chance to experience the arts will be expanding.
The Battlefords Community Youth Strings Program received a $7,500 donation from the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group last Thursday, which will go towards several causes.
“A lot of the kids in the program don’t get a chance to play a musical instrument like the violins that we provide for them here,” Art Director Terra Karp said. “They are very appreciative of the opportunity to play the instrument.
“What we’ve received will go towards maintaining the violins from the wear and tear that occurs from playing the instruments all the time, along with getting other art supplies and taking the students on art excursions that we have throughout the year.”
The program was originally offered twice a week following the school day at Ecole Monseigneur Blaise Morand, but has been expanded this year to St. Mary School, where it takes place during school hours.
“It was designed to give students in the area who didn’t have the chance to play an instrument, or take part in other creative activities, to have a taste of the arts,” Karp said.
“The students get a chance to play the violin, make art through painting or pastels, and visit locations like the Allan Sapp Gallery or the Dekker Centre.”
Students in the program will be performing music and displaying their art projects during a fundraiser at Ecole Monseigneur Blaise Morand on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on the program, contact Karp at 306-446-2167 or Gene Aulinger at 306-445-3314.
