Flockworks, Safe Passage and Dana Gray Elementary Restore Art Classes after FBUSD Budget Cuts

(Fort Bragg, CA) Local arts and community nonprofit, Flockworks, has responded to the recent budget cuts by Fort Bragg Unified School District that defunded art programs by raising $25,000 to return art programs to all the students at Dana Gray Elementary in Fort Bragg.

“Art is a vital part of learning,” said Executive Director Janet Self. “Learning through art fosters its own special hands-on skills, creates a positive learning experience and offers an important conceptual framework that supports other academic disciplines.”

This current effort to return arts to Dana Gray Elementary was spearheaded by Flockworks Board member and Community Artist, Joanna Wigginton and Safe Passage, Family Resource Center’s Latino Family Advocate, Anne Harvey.  Flockworks secured start-up funding to hire a Resource Artist who will work 25 hours a week with the students on various art projects. The funds were the result of generous donors and a grant secured by Safe Passage. Principal Kale and Superintendent Walker are fully on board for this exciting new pilot project. Dana Gray teachers are excited to participate as well as provide feedback and ideas for the art curriculum so it complements the academic work.

“The gifts that made this pilot project possible reflects the abundance we find when we work together as a community,” said Joanna.

Flockworks has a 12-year track record of working with children and youth on creative projects inside and outside the classroom.  In June and July of this year Joanna and Anne led weekday art projects to compliment the summer program at the Redwood Elementary School in Fort Bragg for children from pre-K through 6th grade. The projects were designed to support the curriculum themes including pets, insects and moving vehicles.

“We will be fundraising to secure support from donors and grants to help sustain and expand this pilot program,” said Joanna. “We want to ensure we have more art for these kids.”

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