Sonoran Arts League moves to new office

July 22, 2009

Sonoran Arts League’s new president, John Budge

CAVE CREEK – The non-profit Sonoran Arts League has moved to a new office located at 6051 E. Hidden Valley Drive, Ste. 3, in Cave Creek. The League had been subleasing space in the Foothills Community Foundation office in Carefree and was forced to move when the Foundation vacated its office to move into the new Desert Foothills YMCA Community Center.

As the League celebrates its 15th year of promoting art, artists and art education, its new Board of Directors are tackling challenges relating to one of the nation’s worst recessions.

John Budge, Sonoran Arts League’s new president, said the new Board recognizes the League’s critical role in promoting art in the wake of massive legislative cuts to arts funding.

“We’re receiving many more requests this year for help in the schools,” Budge said. “The Sonoran Arts League is committed to doing what we can to fill the void left by funding cuts, but now, more than ever, we need community support.”

Arts organizations statewide are experiencing the pain of budget cuts and Budge cited the Arizona Commission on the Arts as an example.

“The Arizona Commission on the Arts’ overall budget will be reduced by approximately 42 percent for the fiscal year 2010. This means it will be much more challenging to receive grant funds from this arts advocacy group and others like it. We truly need the support of our local residents and businesses, and any contribution will help,” he said.

The League’s 400 plus members actively participate in community outreach programs, including mentoring programs, scholarships for area students, workshops, fundraisers, and other activities, such as the Empty Bowls Project, Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour, Out West Art Fest, and the Sonoran Festival of Fine Art.

Budge said members are already hanging art in the new 535 square foot office and making plans to create a sculpture garden outside.

“We like the new layout of the office and it is only fitting that we are in the same building that the League’s first office was housed in, back when we were the Cave Creek Crafts Council almost 40 years ago,” he said.

The Sonoran Arts League new board members include: John Budge, president; Jane Boggs, vice president; Karen Smith-Lovejoy, treasurer; Marjorie Rogers, secretary; Victoria Batchelor, Jim Bruce, Celeste Hobratschk, Jossy Lownes, Mike Markham, Gordon Mischke, and Dick Mueller. Alan Hochman serves as Board advisor and Jo Ann Stuckey is the new League coordinator.

Sonoran Arts League summer office hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office is closed on Wednesdays during the summer and will be open Monday through Friday beginning September 1.

To make a contribution or volunteer, contact the Sonoran Arts League at 480-575-6624 or www.SonoranArtsLeague.org.

‘Write to Change the Classroom’ program makes a difference

Walmart encourages teachers, parents and students to submit stories of supply needs

BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Walmart is inviting teachers, parents and students to write their own letters for the opportunity to have their classrooms re-supplied this coming school year.

The “Write to Change the Classroom” program will award 20 teachers with $4,000 in classroom school supplies to help make a difference in students’ lives and further a cause that began with one courageous letter.

Janet Bareis, Walmart vice president of marketing, says, “Walmart has long supported teachers and schools. Our goal with this program is to equip students with the necessary tools and resources to help them learn.”

Entrants can submit their
500-words-or-less letter at www.writetochangetheclassroom.com outlining their school supply needs (e.g. basic educational materials, classroom furniture, technology, etc.) and explaining how these materials will be used throughout the school year. Supply needs might include everything from new computers, to replacing aging, broken or depleted classroom supplies. All entrants must be at least 18 years of age. Any state-accredited elementary (K-6), junior high (7-8) and senior high (9-12) and traditional school is eligible to receive the supplies. The call for entries period will run from July 14 through July 24, 2009.

Selected finalists will receive $4,000-worth of school supplies to their designated classroom and an additional $4,000 toward supplies for their entire school. Essays will be judged on level of need, creativity and the positive impact these supplies will have on the school.

For more information regarding the Walmart program, please visit www.writetochangetheclassroom.com.