About the Festival

Our Community Partners

The White Pine Children’s Art Festival is made possible through the support and collaboration of dedicated community partners who help bring this experience to life for local students.

Bristlecone Arts Council

As the festival’s nonprofit partner, the Bristlecone Arts Council provides sponsorship and ongoing support that help sustain and grow the festival. Their long-standing commitment to arts education has made it possible for White Pine County children to experience creative learning opportunities for more than a decade. We are deeply grateful for their continued investment in the arts and in our community.

White Pine County School District

The school district provides essential logistical and instructional support, including transportation (bussing), Chromebook access for students and staff, and the use of school facilities as festival sites. Their partnership has been central to the success and continuity of the festival since its beginning.

White Pine County Sheriff's Employee's Association

The White Pine County Sheriff’s Office supports the festival by providing traffic signage, assistance during arrival and dismissal times, and a visible presence to help ensure safety during these high-traffic periods. Their involvement adds an important layer of care and security for students, families, and staff.

Ridley's Family Market

Ridley's Family Market is generously supporting the festival by helping provide our special Friday snack, adding a fun and welcoming element for students as they celebrate a week of creativity.

The White Pine Children’s Art Festival began in 2010 as a way to give children in White Pine County the opportunity to explore a variety of arts-related activities. The festival ran successfully from 2010 to 2019, paused during the COVID-19 years, and has since returned as a valued tradition in our community.

The White Pine Children’s Art Festival is a hands-on, creative learning experience where students rotate through engaging workshops in art, music, movement, storytelling, and STEM, all designed to spark imagination and exploration.

Each year, the festival continues to grow and evolve. Last year, students explored art inspired by Asian cultures, participating in activities such as fan dancing, watercolor haiku poetry, and collaborative installations. The week culminated in a transformation of White Pine High School’s commons area into an immersive display featuring a koi pond, cherry blossoms, and pagodas.

This year, we are excited to take inspiration from Disney’s Elemental, as students explore the themes of earth, water, fire, and air through a variety of creative experiences.

Our goal is to introduce students to a variety of art forms in fun and engaging ways. Each student will choose three classes to attend daily from July 20–24. On Friday, we’ll hold a final class session and a special exhibition to celebrate everything the students have created and learned.

We hope you’ll join us for this exciting week of creativity and expression!

Deborah Nielson

Natalie Orton

White Pine Children's Art Festival Board of Directors

The White Pine Children’s Art Festival is guided by a volunteer leadership team that works together throughout the year to plan and support the festival. Each member has a primary area of responsibility, and all four collaborate closely to support teachers, coordinate volunteers, and ensure a meaningful and well-organized experience for students and families.

Deborah Nielson – Technology & Registration
deborah.nielson@wpcnvadmin.com
Deborah manages the festival website, registration system, and digital forms. She organizes class lists and works with the White Pine County School District to coordinate technology and site logistics that support the festival.

Natalie Orton – Fundraising & Communications
natalie.orton@wpcnvadmin.com
Natalie coordinates fundraising and community communications. She manages the festival Facebook page, responds to messages from families and community members, connects with sponsors and local businesses, and helps track donations and support.

Lisa Peterson – Volunteers & Operations
lisa.peterson@wpcnvadmin.com
Lisa recruits, organizes, and schedules volunteers to support classroom activities and festival operations. She helps ensure that each part of the festival is appropriately staffed and that volunteers feel prepared and supported.

Justine Ferguson – Exhibition & Community Showcase
justine.ferguson@wpcnvadmin.com
Justine coordinates the end-of-week art exhibition and community performance showcase. She works with instructors and volunteers to bring together the final celebration of student work and learning.

Together, this team works year-round to plan the festival and support the many moving parts that make it possible. Their shared goal is to create a welcoming, creative experience for every student who participates.

Lisa Peterson

Justine Ferguson

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