×

Arts grant approved for CCISD

An arts grant from the VSA Michigan has been approved for visual arts classes for Copper Country Intermediate School District Learning Center Programs.

VSA is the state organization on arts and disability. The organization promotes creative power in people with disabilities.

The requested amount of the grant was $16,200. With that, the CCISD matches the amount with staff support and a facility.

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs pays for three local artists to instruct three classrooms at the learning center, in addition to the Baraga classroom and the Community Transition Program. The artists are Chris Davis, Elaine Eikenberry and Jim Dee.

“They’re doing a marvelous job,” said the CCISD Supervisor of Special Education, Katrina  Carlson.

The classes are taught throughout the school day. The instructors rotate in teaching with the  Program for Students with Severe Disabilities (PSSD) in Hancock learning center,  the Community Transition Program in Houghton for adults, and PSSD in Baraga Area Schools.

The Community Transition Program is for people who are between ages 17-26 and moderately impaired.

The program works on things they’re interested in, such as job placement in the community, learning to cook and academic activities.

According to Carlson, they started the art classes in November, but they have been working on this grant for a few years.

Carlson is excited to have the grant.

“Without it, these students don’t get the chance to participate in art programs,” Carlson said. “We appreciate the support. It is a great benefit to have these local artists come in and share their gift and inspire our students.”

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today