Orange City, Iowa — An area organization that works with the arts and artists has been given a grant to enrich art in schools.
Orange City Arts has been awarded a $3,500 grant by the Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., through a program called 2 Million & Change. The program allows Staples associates to direct more than $2 million in donations worldwide each year.
Orange City Arts board member and graphic designer at Staples, Olga Alvarado, nominated Orange City Arts for the grant.
Executive Director of Orange City Arts, Janine Calsbeek says that the grant will help present educational artistic assemblies and workshops to area students in schools. The title of the grant is Beyond Onstage — Enriching Academic Education.
Calsbeek says that six exemplary artists are performing here this year. She says that OC Arts is excited that students will interact with gifted artists from other parts of the world. She says that artists like these inspire creativity and empathy; and that one of their gifts to students is the power and beauty of art.
Artists are listed here:
• Herencia de Timbiquí, a 12-person ensemble, plays traditional music from Colombia— featuring congas, bombo drums, guasá shakers and marimba, plus energetic vocals, trumpet, saxophone, keyboards and guitar. A school assembly and evening concert will be Oct. 6.
• ArtRageous presents an interactive multi-media art and music experience Oct. 26 and 27. ArtRageous artists present a music and dance performance while creating several paintings onstage. Workshops include the business of entertainment; branding and marketing; and costuming, choreography and performance.
The ArtRageous workshops are not only educational, but encouraging, said Calsbeek. “These enthusiastic artists say, ‘If we can do it, you can do it too.’”
• Cantus, a premier men’s vocal ensemble from Minneapolis, will present a vocal workshop and concert Feb. 18 and 19.
• The Feb. 24 performance features storyteller and playwright Kevin Kling, with his hilarious and tender stories. His storytelling workshop is Feb. 25.
• Mermaid Theatre from Nova Scotia features innovative puppetry and striking scenic effects with black light, projected images and large puppets. The show March 20 features the stories of Eric Carle. A puppetry workshop will be held that afternoon.
• The week of April 10, Taproot Theatre of Seattle presents bullying-prevention plays in six schools, plus two shows for the general public. Workshops will be held for theatre students. The Taproot residency is a collaboration between Orange City and Sioux Center Arts.
Most of the assemblies, workshops and shows will be held at local schools and colleges.
Created in 2012, the 2 Million & Change program allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations focused on academic education or job skills. In 2015, Staples awarded more than $2.5 million in grants to 875 local organizations.
“For 30 years, Staples associates have been making a difference in their communities around the world,” said John Burke, chief culture officer, Staples, Inc., “We’re thrilled that the 2 Million & Change program lets our associates make an even greater impact on the organizations they are passionate about.”
For more information, visit www.staples.com/community or orangecityarts.net. To inquire about participating in an assembly or workshop, contact Calsbeek at 712-707-4885 or ocArts@orangecityiowa.com.
