What Your $ Did in 2008

In 2008, the Sakonnet Arts Network reached children and adults through classes, events, and the outreach of volunteers.  Many programs were supported by a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation.
 
In the spring ‘08...
 
YOUTH The Network supported artist-in-residence Eileen Harris who worked with all students at Pocasset School to develop skills related to literacy and drama.  Additional funding for the program came from the school's PTO.

YOUTH Artist Diane Postoian spent a day visiting all classes at Fort Barton School where she focused on story-telling and theater arts. Additional funding for the program came from the PTO.

YOUTH At Ranger School, Gloria Crist taught an 8-week after school drama class that culminated in two performances of "Ranger Rocks" for all students at the school and many family members.

YOUTH & COMMUNITY  The Network partnered with the schools and the Tiverton Land Trust to create "Photo Day at Pardon Gray".  Local school children took photos of nature with coaching from photography mentors at Pardon Gray Preserve.  Photos were exhibited at the Growers' Market and later at Town Hall.  The Sakonnet Arts Network helped with funding for cameras and film development and provided volunteer time for planning and staging the weekend event and the exhibitions that followed.

In the summer ‘08... 

COMMUNITY The Sakonnet Arts Network had a booth at the Four Corners Art and Artisans Festival where attendees discussed their arts-related interests and kids made colorful crowns.
 
YOUTH The Network offered 2 weeks of classes in visual and performing arts at Ranger School to students entering 2nd through 5th grades. Classes included "Painting and Drawing Music," taught by Danielle Daglieri,  "Acting Impact," taught by Kristen Beland, "Drawing and Painting from Nature," taught by Stacey Munzert, and "Dive Into Drama," taught by Eileen Harris.

NETWORKING  Began listing art events on our website to enhance communication and awareness of the works of supporting artists in the Network and other nonprofit arts organizations such as the Greater Tiverton Community Chorus and Four Corners Arts Center. 
 
YOUTH The Network provided tuition to enable 5 children to attend the Arts and Literacy Program that was a collaborative effort of teachers Sue Cardoza, Sheree Alves and Danielle Daglieri. 

  
In the fall ‘08...

ADULTS The Network held two classes for adults that were geared to all levels of experience.  "Getting It Together: Color, Form and You" was taught by Helen Nadler and "Watercolor Basics" was taught by Heide Hallemeier.

COMMUNITY Shared with the Tiverton Arts Council in hosting the opening of the Pardon Gray Photo Exhibition at Tiverton Town Hall.

YOUTH At Ranger School, Gloria Crist led an after school drama class for "Aspiring Performers" in grades 3 & 4.  

YOUTH Students in grades 5 through 8 at Tiverton Middle School, explored theater basics in an after school drama class taught by Gloria Crist and drawing and painting in a class taught by Denise Zompa. 

NETWORKING  Seniors at Tiverton High School were linked with artist mentors so that these students could explore interests such as printmaking in a group discussion or demonstration with an artist.  Individual students were also given suggestions about artists who will share their experience in designing cartoons, running an art gallery, or making pottery as students research these artistic processes for their senior projects.

COMMUNITY The Sakonnet Arts Network hosted a mask-making workshop with the Big Nazo puppets on Sunday, October 19th at the Nonquit School.  Over 60 children and parents learned about the process of making puppets from Erminio Pinque and the Big Nazo troupe.  They then enjoyed transforming flat foam shapes into bright, 3-dimensional creature masks.

ADULTS & COMMUNITY "Art Among Friends," an exhibition showcasing the works of over 30 area artists, opened on November 7th at the Tiverton Town Hall.  The show will run through January 5, 2009. 

ADULTS Volunteers from the Sakonnet Arts Network began weekly visits to the Nancy Brayton Osborne Center of the VNS in Little Compton in November.  They are engaging seniors in art activities that offer them another means of expression and the pleasure of painting, drawing, or assembling felt, fabric and ribbons into colorful collages.  

The Sakonnet Arts Network is committed to expanding these successful programs and events, as well as creating additional opportunities for artists to come together. The arts are essential to our local economy and to the quality of life in our towns, benefiting everyone from our children to our elders.    

Thank you for supporting these endeavors in our initial year.  We look forward to your continued involvement and support in 2009 as we forge new connections among artists and all members of our community!