Sierra Vista Elementary School receives check for arts programs

When the state's budget crisis started putting elementary school art and music programs at risk, the board of the Upland Community Foundation decided to do something new.

The foundation, in partnership with the Upland Music and Arts Festival, started the Community Arts fund, which will provide money for the visuals and performing arts programs at local schools.

"Our belief is that there are a ton of incredible artists out there, but there are some schools that have no art programs, so the artistic talent of the kids doesn't get to be developed," said Jennifer Moore, member of the foundation. "It's not very stable, it's unsure that the art programs are going to continue, so what the Upland Community Foundation is trying to do is fill that gap and help to provide funds for the art program."

The foundation will be seeking donations from the community and grants from corporations, Moore said.

Sierra Vista Elementary School is the first of Upland's schools to receive money from the Foundation.

The school prepared a list of art supplies they needed and estimated costs.

A check for $625 was given to the school's principal Allison Benson Tuesday during the school's family fun night.

"It's great because kids who might not be A students academically are shining in our art program," said Sierra Vista Principal Alison Benson. "So we're really excited to be able to give them that outlet for it."

Sierra Vista has a "meet the masters" program for students to learn about classic artists and try to imitate their creations.

An after school art club is also being developed.

Supplies such as crayons, paints and paper made up the majority of Sierra Vista's list of needed supplies.

"Talking to the teachers, it's like some teachers even have a hard time getting paper and paints for the kids to be able to draw," Moore said. "A lot of teachers here don't even have paints in their classrooms, so how are they ever going to develop their artistic ability if they don't have paints."

Marci Stone, a parent volunteer, was concerned that Sierra Vista's arts programs were vanishing, so when she found out about the arts fund she approached the foundation board of directors.

"I gave them a very detailed list of supplies we need, they were very basic ones and we were very surprised that they were very happy to help," Stone said. "Because of that we are able to have an art club now, where kids can create art after school so teachers don't have to take time away from their regular lessons."

The program is available to all Upland schools, that need extra funds to support their music and arts programs.

The foundation has been known in the community for their work on the Carnegie Building, construction of the skate park in Memorial Park, wall murals in downtown and the recently preserved Waiting Station on Mountain Ave.

The foundation is also working to bring public art displays to the area.

"We're a community foundation and we try and reach out to those who need or restore city treasures of the past," said Claude Ellena, president of the board for the foundation. "The budget has put a strain on the schools and the arts are being left behind and forgotten or eliminated all together and because we have done murals and we are in the art and restoring project mode, we think that preserving the arts for the school and music fort he schools will be a great thing."

The first annual Upland Music and Arts Festival is scheduled for November 6 and 7 in downtown and will showcase local talent, educate participants and celebrate music and art.

The festival will bring together 10 stages, over 100 music acts, music and art workshops, gallery art exhibits, school exhibits and an international food fair.

"Our hope is that the performances and exhibits shown at the Upland Music and Arts Festival will call attention to the importance of arts education and the need to maintain it in our schools," Moore said Wednesday. "We hope that people in the community recognize that a child's opportunity for a rich, well rounded education should not be compromised by our state's economic woes. The community has the ability to cover the shortfall and ensure that all children have access to arts education, and this can happen through the Community Arts Fund."

Proceeds from memberships to the Upland Community Foundation, which are on sale now, will go to the Community Arts Fund.

Visit www.UplandMusicandArtsFestival.com for more information about the Festival and the Community Arts Fund

On the evening of November 6, a VIP Gala event will be held to raise money for the arts fund. All proceeds from this event will go directly toward supporting arts education in Upland school and public art to be displayed within the community.

Visit www.UplandCommunityfdn.org for more information on the Foundation.