NEW CANAAN, CT, Aug. 12, 2019—Silvermine Arts Center has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman. Silvermine’s educational mission extends well beyond its five-acre campus in New Canaan. The funds from Newman’s Own will support Art Partners, Silvermine’s Outreach Education program that provides curriculum-based studio art classes each year to over 1,000 under-resourced children and teens in Norwalk and Stamford.
“The generosity of Newman’s Own Foundation significantly strengthens our ability to increase accessibility to arts education, offering experiences that inspire creativity,” said Robin Jaffee Frank, Director of Strategy and Development. “These funds will help sustain Art Partners’ joyful, effective programs, which incorporate essential academic skills of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-confidence.”
For 27 years, Art Partners has met a critical need by providing the area’s only formalized Outreach Education Program to targeted Norwalk and Stamford public schools. Although Fairfield County is an affluent area, some schools have minority populations as high as 78%, with 60% qualifying for free/reduced lunches. Many children participating in Art Partners programs come from homes where English is not spoken; studies have shown that art is a vehicle that heightens the ability to reach and engage these students.
Art Partners’ uniqueness is centered in Silvermine’s Teaching Artists who collaborate with classroom teachers and program directors to design and implement studio classes to address the specific academic, social, and emotional needs of students. Teaching Artists are selected for their excellent educational and professional experience, imagination, and communication skills. Silvermine’s outreach partnerships have included Brookside Elementary, Columbus Magnet School, Rowayton Elementary, Silvermine Elementary, Nathan Hale Middle School, Trailblazers Academy Middle School, West Rocks Middle School, and the Norwalk Housing Authority’s After-School Programs.
In addition to Art Partners, Silvermine’s extensive Educational Outreach Programs nourish the creative spirit of individuals with disabilities or mental health issues through collaborations with neighboring non-profits, STAR, Inc. and Silver Hill Hospital, respectively. Learn more about Silvermine’s Outreach Education Programs at https://silvermineart.org/outreach/
Newman’s Own Foundation uses all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own food and beverage products for charitable purposes. Since 1982, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have donated over $500 million to thousands of charities around the world.