PORT TOWNSEND — A monthlong fundraising program to support art education in the Port Townsend School District is taking place with the help of city merchants.
Art Wave, which is in its 15th year, will display between 400 and 500 pieces of art from students in all grade levels in 33 locations, beginning with this month’s Port Townsend Gallery Walk on Saturday and extending throughout this month.
The art isn’t for sale. It’s an exhibit to enjoy while leaving donations for PT Artscape.
“It’s a nice way for the merchants to have a fun window display and connect with the kids and parents,” said Mari Mullen, Port Townsend Main Street executive director.
“It makes the kids feel special that their art is on display in a store,” she said.
“It validates them.”
The art represents a year’s worth of work for many of the classes.
The fundraising goal is $1,500, the same amount raised last year, Mullen said.
PT Artscape
The funds raised will go toward supporting diverse offerings by PT Artscape.
These include the Teaching Artists programs at Blue Heron Middle and Port Townsend High schools, and professional development for teaching artists and classroom teachers.
PT Artscape also supports Centrum’s Tales, Texts and Theater Program for the sixth grade, as well as special projects and materials.
Each merchant pays $10 to participate, which is added to the fund total.
Some merchants have special fundraisers.
Daily Bird Pottery at 2009 Fourth St. is selling small ceramic birds that fit in the palm of the hand.
The little birds cost $8 each. Sales raised $288 for Art Quake last year, according to Xoe Huffman, whose job description at the business is “cat herder/errand monkey.”
Additionally, the Food Co-op is letting PT Artscape have a jar in its “Beans for Bags” Program in May and June, which raised several hundred dollars last year, Mullen said.
For more information, see www.PTArtscape.com or www.ptmainstreet.org.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
