ArtSplash Gets and Gives Art Grants

Educators can Apply for Art Grants

Over the past four years, , a nonprofit organization, has granted more than $23,000 to school projects.  During 2011-12, grants totaling $8,850 supported diverse visual/performing arts and music programs at several schools in Carlsbad Unified School District, Encinitas Union School District, San Marcos Unified School District and Vista Unified School District. In Carlsbad, Valley Middle School Art Teacher Sue DeWulf has used grants to fund innovative tile projects as well as in-class and after–school arts programs. Her Advanced Art students annually create chalk art murals on the street at ArtSplash that visitors herald as exceptional.

ArtSplash, an annual community celebration for arts education taking place this year on September 22-23 on Armada Drive in Carlsbad, invites North County schools and teachers to apply for grants to fund arts and music programs for school year 2012-13. The application deadline is August 1, 2012. Recipients will be notified by early September. Grant guidelines and applications are at carlsbadartsplash.org/grant.htm. 

ArtSplash Chairperson Joni Miringoff states, “Our grants are modest, typically in the $400-$700 range. I am always amazed and delighted by the imaginative and enriching projects accomplished by teachers with a modicum of money and a wealth of creativity.”

ArtSplash Wins $1,000 Community Arts Grant from the City of Carlsbad

Visitors to the 2012 ArtSplash chalk art and entertainment festival will enjoy the interactive antics of the Animal Cracker Conspiracy Puppet Company, thanks to a $1,000 from the City of Carlsbad. 

Community Arts Coordinator Colleen Finnegan states, “We’re very happy that The Animal Cracker Conspiracy received Community Arts Grant funding to appear at ArtSplash. This highly creative local arts ensemble will add colorful interaction to the multifaceted event, contributing an innovative vitality to the festival atmosphere. The group’s stilt-based giant action figures are astounding. I can’t wait to see them performing up and down the street during ArtSplash.”

ArtSplash 2012 offers free parking, free admission and free and easy access to an array of art-viewing and art-making opportunities. The panoramic Armada Drive setting will pulsate with live music, exciting entertainment, great food, a Family Art Carnival for the younger set and, of course, chalk art masterpieces created by professionals and event-goers of all ages right on the street. Sand sculpting, a mural of  flowers from recycled paper, a signature Marilyn Monroe piece made from 2,500 recycled plastic water bottles, cheese sculpting and many new surprises are being planned, including a Saturday night concert and fireworks.