ART, GIVING BEAUTY and HOPE TO A CHILD

Sherman Art League was organized approximately sixty years ago, and we are the longest established art organization in our county.  For the purposes of our 501 c (3) non-profit, we are Sherman Art League of Texas.  We received this status the latter part of 2019.  We have always been very visible in the community and represent family standards.

Because of our status in the community, after becoming President of the league in 2018, I was approached by many groups requesting us to play a role in teaching less fortunate children art classes.  Once, by a Juvenile Delinquency Officer.  It was embarrassing to, regretfully, say "no".  We do not have the funds to supply art material required to teach art.  We have had so many requests that it brought us to acknowledge, we must try to assist these children.  All, who are lacking in education and falling behind students their same age.

All of the groups have educators volunteering who are aware of the important role art can play in a child's life.  It plays a more important role in development than one might think. Especially, in the lives of children in single parent homes or no place to call home.  They lack the love and encouragement of others.  It creates Creativity and Curiosity, and Cultivates skills that benefit a child's development.  It teaches critical thinking skills.   Imagination follows.

In March 2019, we were invited by Master Key Ministries to paint children's chairs with each chair depicting a children's story book.  At last, something we were able to do.  They donated the chairs and provided the books for each chair.  The event was their first fund raiser and we were happy to help them meet a very successful goal in the auction.  We donated art again in 2020, but the virus caused that event to be cancelled.  It will be held at a later date.

We need funds to provide a place located in the inner city for the classes.  There is an extensive list of needs; tables and chairs for different age children.  All art media, canvas, paper, books, brushes......the list goes on.  A building for the classes.

Aside from all of the supplies, the art league needs to be able to continue paying a monthly guest to do demonstrations.  We meet once a month and even that is threatened. Presently, we are meeting in a temporary location.  If we could get a permanent meeting place that would be used once a month for our meeting and the remainder of the month to have children's workshops and classes.  We rely on our demonstrators to attract new members. This grows the membership so we can volunteer to assist with the children's art.  In summer of 2016, we lost our permanent meeting place due to the death of the owner. 

 Because we want everyone to attend our monthly meetings, and learn from the demonstrator, our dues are very nominal, only $25 a year.  This is not enough to support our art league.  It has given all of us much concern.   We live in a town of approximately 43,000 people.  Art is not one of the choices of companies and individuals for donations. They are generous, but there isn't money left for art.   We do not have the millionaires and billionaires of large metropolitan cities.  

We have the strong desire to be able to continue as an art league and to contribute to children who are less fortunate.  There are, certainly, many skills taught through art.  However, children who live in a less beautiful world can have beauty and dreams at their fingertips with color and canvas.  Dreams can come to fruition with seeds that grow from art.