Edmonds Art Festival Foundation supports art education in local schools

The Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation is investing $29,500 to enhance local art education affected by budget cuts from the Edmonds School District. The allocation includes $12,000 for Art Start Northwest to supply five elementary schools with essential art materials and $15,000 for middle and high school art programs, which lost funding for supplies and field trips. An additional $2,500 restores art classes for VOICE students, who are young adults in special education programs. Foundation board member Samantha Saether remarked on the necessity of ensuring all students can explore their creativity despite financial limitations. The Foundation has a longstanding commitment to local arts, distributing over $80,000 each year in scholarships and grants.

Over its 39-year history, the Foundation has invested more than $1 million in public art and educational initiatives. The annual Edmonds Arts Festival, held in June, is entirely volunteer-driven and serves as a vital source of funding for these programs. By collaborating with schools and community partners, the Foundation aims to create a more sustainable impact on arts education.