Dry Canyon Arts Association Donates $40,000 to Support Art Education in Redmond Schools

The Dry Canyon Arts Association is helping bring more opportunities for students to create, explore and experience the arts with a $40,000 donation to the Redmond School District’s JumpStart Art Program. The donation was celebrated Tuesday, Sept. 29, with a check presentation at Terrebonne Community School, in front of a mural assisted which was led by Artist in Residence Judy Rosenthal and Grades 3-5 last school year. This marks the third consecutive year that the Dry Canyon Arts Association has supported the Redmond School District through a generous donation to the JumpStart Art Program. Through JumpStart, a local artist serves as an Artist in Residence at one of the District’s elementary schools, working directly with K-5 students. Students have opportunities to learn about the creative process, explore different artistic techniques and develop their own work alongside a professional artist.

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Linda Seeberg said opportunities like these are an important part of a well-rounded education. “Education is more than just reading, writing and arithmetic. It is also those enriching experiences that may spark an interest for a student and lead to a lifetime of opportunity,” Seeberg said.

Seeberg said the Redmond School District would not be able to provide this type of enriching experience for students without the continued support of the Dry Canyon Arts Association. “We are so grateful for the Dry Canyon Arts Association and the work they continue to do to find ways to keep this partnership going,” Seeberg said. “We hope this partnership continues for many years to come and perhaps even expands to other levels. This is truly a great gift to our students and our community, and we thank them for their continued support.”

The Dry Canyon Arts Association’s support extends beyond its annual donation. Through its art shows, the organization also raises funds specifically for the JumpStart Art Program in all Redmond School District elementary schools. At each Dry Canyon Arts Association show, association members donate original pieces of artwork for a community art raffle. About 60 pieces are donated for each show, with the raffle drawing held Sunday afternoon.

The community’s support has continued to grow. The spring raffle raised approximately $4,000, while the fall show last year raised nearly $5,000. This year, the association hopes to surpass both totals and put even more money toward art education for Redmond students. It is another example of how community partnerships can make a meaningful difference for students. The Dry Canyon Arts Association’s support helps ensure that art remains an important part of the school experience, giving students opportunities to create, discover new interests and see themselves as artists.

The Dry Canyon Arts Association will host its annual Fall Art Show & Sale November 14th and 15th at Obsidian Middle School.  

In addition to the art show and sale, the event will feature the association’s art raffle, with original artwork donated by DCAA members. Proceeds from the raffle directly support the JumpStart Art Program. Thank you to the Dry Canyon Arts Association and its members for their continued generosity, creativity and commitment.