All children at Friday Harbor Elementary School will benefit from art education instruction this year thanks to an Art Enrichment Program sponsored by the Islands Museum of Art. FHES will be implementing the program January – June 2012.

The Art Enrichment Program will consist of six-week residencies in each class room with six teaching artists chosen from the community of San Juan Island artists. Leisha Holmes will act as the art coordinator.

“Arts education is critical to core learning and a priority for parents,” says Connie Martin, Principal of Friday Harbor Elementary School. “Study in the arts promotes visual literacy and problem solving skills and kids have the opportunity to express themselves in a positive way that is fun. Parents want more art for their children at FHES. I hear from them weekly.”

IMA has secured funding from several sources for this unique program, including the Washington State Arts Commission, the San Juan Island Community Foundation, the Women’s Fund of the SJICF, and donations from the community.

Local teaching artists who are interested in participating in the Art Enrichment Program should contact Leisha Homes, IMA Art Coordinator at threefirs@rockisland.com or Jennifer Elise, IMA Museum Director at admin@sjima.org or 370-5050.