2010 Promising Projects — Nurturing Community Arts

In order to address the continuing decline in students’ math and reading skills, the Girls Choral Academy is launching a pilot project that uses a specialized music instruction methodology to positively impact these related skills. Research has evidenced the direct link between intense musical exposure and brain development that influences comprehension of literacy and mathematics. Using the Kodaly music education method, which originated in Hungary, the Girls Choral Academy hopes to positively impact test scores by 15% annually versus the progress of a control group of elementary students.

Support for this effort aligns with the Board of Trustees’ interest in encouraging arts education. This program is not only professionally evaluated and tied to a particular curriculum, but provides sequential learning for students over time. If this model is successful, there could be opportunities to expand it to a greater number of schools in the region.

Founded in 1910, and located on the Kalamazoo River’s ox-bow on property immediately adjacent to the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, Ox-bow is a regionally significant arts community. Its students and faculty are drawn from across the country and beyond as well as locally. Students and faculty from GVSU, Kendall and the UICA are among the participants. It has a national reputation as a preeminent school of art and residency program.

Stemming from a strategic planning session held by Ox-Bow’s Board of Directors and Auxiliary Board in 2000 as well as numerous community conversations with students, artists and faculty, Ox-Bow launched the Campaign for the Second Century in July 2007. The campaign includes the renovation of two campus structures, the construction of 3 new ones, a fund for future cabin/studio restoration, and endowments for scholarships and building maintenance. One of the main outputs of a successful campaign is expanded programming capacity for Ox-Bow, specifically allowing for programs beyond just the summer months.

Support for this capital campaign demonstrates the Board of Trustees’ interest in supporting community arts organizations and ensure they have sufficient venues for their work.