Artsbank Fund
The ArtsBank Fund, established in 2015 with an initial $10,000 donation from ArtsBank, provides ongoing support for arts education in the Randolph County school system, particularly at the elementary level.
TYPE OF FUND: Agency Endowed
DATE ESTABLISHED: October 2015
PURPOSE: Supporting art in the Randolph County school system(s), especially the elementary level.
DISTRIBUTION: Upon request by ArtsBank, Inc. and upon the recommendation of the Grants Committee and approval by the full Board of Directors of TCF. All distributions are to ArtsBank.
VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment, or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.
FUNDING: Initial funding of $10,000 to establish the fund was donated by ArtsBank, with additional funding coming from donations from the general public.
BACKGROUND: Since 1992, ArtsBank has been serving the children of Randolph County with hands-on art experiences for students in every elementary school in the Elkins area. After art teachers were eliminated in 1988, concerned parents, artists, and educators formed this group to support a short residency in each elementary school. This popular program introduced students to multimedia experiences such as drawing, painting, collage, drama, movement, creative writing, singing, pottery, printmaking, and design. Over time, ArtsBank expanded to offer special programs for middle and high school students as well.
In the 2003-04 school year, the Randolph County Board of Education hired a part-time art teacher to serve five area schools. For those schools not served by the art teacher, ArtsBank began offering an extended-term arts program in addition to its enrichment support program, specifically targeting underserved elementary schools with practicing artists as instructors.
In 2012-13, ArtsBank developed a successful program in collaboration with The Mountain Institute (TMI) called “The Earth and the Arts.” In this program, students spent three days and two nights studying, observing, and researching the West Virginia landscape at Spruce Knob with TMI staff and local scientists. ArtsBank teaching artists guided students in enhancing and documenting their research through writing and movement studies. Students created studio art, kept journals, and collaborated on ephemeral installation art in nature using natural objects.
In 2013-14, ArtsBank expanded its outreach efforts through a website and Facebook to communicate its mission and students’ achievements more effectively.
ArtsBank relies on volunteers and financial support to sustain and expand its programs. The organization’s largest fundraising event, the Annual ArtsBank Auction, is held on the last Saturday in February. This event has become a community tradition, demonstrating the generosity and support of local artists and residents who contribute donations and funding to keep this vital arts education program thriving.
