Art supply drive for local schools continues through Aug. 31

As the new school year approaches, Freeman Arts Pavilion is hosting an art supply drive to ensure area students have the tools they need to be inspired and creative. As part of the mission of advancing arts access for all, the drive will benefit local elementary schools’ art departments.

Many teachers can find their budgets so limited, they will often cover the expenses of providing classroom art supplies out of their own pocket, said Patti Grimes, foundation executive director.

“Arts education is essential, not just for fostering creativity, but for building confidence, empathy and critical thinking,” she said. “By supporting our teachers with the supplies they need, we’re helping ensure that all students, regardless of their ZIP codes, have access to meaningful, enriching arts experiences.”

Items being collected are glue bottles and sticks; scissors; fine point or ultra point Sharpies (black or color); Crayola Model Magic; Crayola markers, crayons, and tempera paints; watercolor paints; Pacon drawing paper (80 lbs.); and Pacon Tru-Ray construction paper (heavyweight).

Residents or visitors who would like to participate but are unable to get to the venue to drop off supplies may purchase items from the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Amazon Wish List at freemanarts.org/artsdrive.

“We want all children in the classrooms to have access to expressing their creativity and unlocking their potential,” said Michelle Freeman, Carl M. Freeman Foundation chair. “This drive is more than just markers and paint supplies.”

To further the impact, the foundation will match all donations raised.