Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour raffle benefits art teachers in community
Every year, the artists of the Southeastern Delaware Artists Studio Tour donate a piece of their artwork for the Art in the Hat Raffle held in conjunction with the tour set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Nov. 24 and 25. A full 100 percent of the proceeds go to helping art teachers in the community. Raffle tickets are sold at the artists’ studios during the two-day tour.
Teachers in the Indian River School District are sent a letter each year from the artists asking if they would like to be included in the distribution of money received from the raffle. They are required to write a letter requesting the amount they need and giving a description of what the money will be used toward.
In previous years, the raffle proceeds have been able to satisfy, at least in part, the teachers’ requests. This year, however, with school budgets being reduced, the arts curriculum had been severely affected. SEDAST has received requests from the teachers totaling over $5,000. These are for things as basic as paper, glue, clay and paints, as well as requests for special projects. The art teachers are a creative group, many times aligning their lessons to reinforce what the students are learning in other classes as well as to introduce the students to known artists. All this is done with limited funds from the school system and the teachers digging into their own pockets many times.
This year's tour, as always, will allow attendees to visit the artists in their studios and see them work and talk to them about creating art. Visitors who purchase raffle tickets should remember the funds go to a great cause...teaching area children the value of art in their lives and stimulating their creative abilities. Those who are not able to attend but would like to donate to help meet the goal of helping teachers can send donations to PO Box 1154, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. To see the Art in the Hat artwork donated by the artists, go to ArtStudioTour.com.
