Giving Tree to support local schools

SEELEY LAKE – "The art supplies they have were plenty but very well used," said Seeley Lake artist Kris Gullikson speaking about Seeley Lake Elementary. "They don't have the resources to get new things every year for these kids to try. I feel that if students aren't trying art every year, that is the first thing that is going to go by the wayside when they have to make a choice between electives."

Out of her love of art and desire to instill that love in children, Gullikson set up a Giving Tree for art supplies. While half of the tags have already sold, the tree is available at the Grizzly Claw for the community to pick a tag and make a donation to area schools.

Gullikson has worked at Seeley Lake Elementary leading student art projects for many years.

"The idea came from my heart being an artist. I knew that the supplies they had were limited," said Gullikson. "I saw the need and felt like I was able to help."

Gullikson sent a letter to SLE teachers asking what art supplies they needed. The response was positive. One teacher told Gullikson that she had been buying art supplies out of her pocket for years.

Gullikson compiled a list of supplies requested by the teachers totally more than $700 in supplies. After getting approval from the Alpine Artisans, Inc board, she along with Carol Evans, Jenny Rohrer and Jean Dickey put together a Giving Tree for art supplies. They made tags with numbers and assigned dollar amounts to art supplies.

"I think psychologically it is easier for people to give if they think, I'm buying a set of colored pencils for the third grade," said Gullikson who added she is collecting money, not items with the tags.

The Giving Tree was first presented at Alpine Artisans' Holiday Party Dec. 2. At the party, AAI member Sue Cushman asked Gullikson if any of the money raised went to Swan Valley Elementary School.

"I told her she could take that on next year. She took it on right then," said Gullikson and laughed.

Half of the tags sold at the party raising $720, $300 of which will go to Swan Valley School.

"I thought that was a great response for just one afternoon," said Gullikson.

The Giving Tree for art supplies is now available at the Grizzly Claw Trading Company in Seeley Lake. Members of the community can pick a tag and write a check to AAI. Donations through AAI can also be made to any of the schools in AAI's district (Lincoln, Ovando, Potomac, Seeley Lake or Swan Valley).

In January, AAI will write a check for the amount raised to each school designated for art supplies. Teachers can purchase the supplies they need.

All checks must be made out to Alpine Artisans, Inc. and can accompany a tag at the Grizzly Claw or be mailed to AAI, P. O. Box 841, Seeley Lake, MT 59868. Please note to which school the donation should be given.

"People are very giving this time of year," said Gullikson. "Why not let the kids benefit from it."