SEELEY LAKE – Thanks to the generosity of the community through last year’s Giving Tree for art supplies, students at Seeley Lake and Swan Valley Elementary schools have the opportunity to be creative weekly. The Alpine Artisans, Inc. (AAI) Giving Tree is continuing again this year raising money for supplies that support art in the classrooms. The community can pick a tag off the tree at the Grizzly Claw in Seeley Lake and Swan Valley Centre in Condon through the end of December.
Seeley Lake artist Kris Gullikson started the Giving Tree for art supplies last year. She had been a guest artist in several classrooms and while the students had supplies, they were very well used.
“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.”
Last year they raised nearly $1,250 for SLE and $300 for Swan Valley School.
SLE second grade teacher Pattie Crum said that because of the donations for supplies, her class has learned watercolors, acrylics, colored pencils, pottery and more.
“We have an art project every week!” wrote Crum in an email. “Thank you!!”
SLE first grade teacher Rachel Bemis was also very appreciative of the donations.
“My first graders have learned so much and have embraced being creative with the art supplies including water colors, oil pastels and so much more. We have been experimenting and creating weekly,” wrote Bemis in an email. “On behalf of my first graders, thank you in advance for the continued support!”
The trees were first presented at AAI’s annual Holiday Party Dec. 14. The two Giving Trees for art supplies are now available in Seeley Lake at the Grizzly Claw through the end of December and the Swan Valley Centre in Condon until Dec. 23. Members of the community can pick a tag and write a check to AAI.
In January, AAI will present each school with a check designated for art supplies. Teachers can request the funds to purchase the supplies they need.
All checks must be made out to Alpine Artisans, Inc. and can accompany a tag at the Grizzly Claw and Swan Valley Centre or be mailed to AAI, P. O. Box 841, Seeley Lake, MT 59868. If sending a check, please note to which school, SLE or Swan Valley School, the donation should be given.
Gullikson reminds students and parents that if they see a need in their classroom for art supplies, to tell their teacher about the funding through the AAI Giving Tree.
“People are very giving this time of year,” said Gullikson. “Why not let the kids benefit from it.”
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