JGS PTO

The JGS PTO is excited to share that we have been awarded grant funding of $4,000 from the Berlin City Auto Drive for Education Program, for our submission of our “Outdoor Learning Grant.”

The grant application was submitted by PTO Grant Writer Alyssa Prince with the support of JGS Art Teacher Carrie Scribner. We were awarded this funding to hold an Outdoor Enrichment Program using the “En Plein Air” Technique, for all 50 JGS students to paint our Jackson Covered Bridge, with a local artist in residence Melanie Barash Levitt, of Jackson Art. Students will work outside, “en plein air”, with instruction in sketching, staining, composition, color mixing and brushwork.

A quote from Carrie Scribner from the grant application, “Jackson is rich with White Mountain Art history. During the 19th century, our village was at the crossroads of the paths the artists took to get to the mountains. One very important artist, Frank Henry Shapleigh, settled in Jackson. His beautiful historic home is a neighbor to our school. These stories are such an important reminder to our students, that we live in such an amazing place rich with history. The movement towards getting our children outside for learning is imperative during this health pandemic. As an educator, I know this rewarding opportunity to Plein Air paint with a local artist would be so beneficial. It will not only teach students how to observe, draw and paint, but it will be a lasting experience that will fill their hearts. This opportunity to stop and recognize an endearing symbol of our town that has been cared for and celebrated for over a century will be so fulfilling.”

Planning will begin soon for this fun and memorable opportunity, most likely to take place in the Spring.