Eight Schools in NWA Get the Gift of Creativity
By: Channing Barker
Updated: October 4, 2012
"We are so excited for the first time in Northwest Arkansas, we are bringing creativity into the schools," said Paul Leopoulos, Executive Director of Thea Foundation.
On Wednesday, The Thea Foundation teamed up with the Pat and Willard Walker Foundation and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The groups donated a total of $15,000 worth of art supplies to eight schools in Northwest Arkansas.
"My dauhter Thea, who our foundation is named after, actually transformed in school right in front of our eyes once she got into some creative process. It changed her life. It made her believe she could do anything in school," said Paul Leopoulos. A change, J.O. Kelly art teacher, Amy Richards knows can happen with the simple stroke of a brush. The schools that received the cash are J.O. Kelly Middle School and George Junior High in Springdale, Asbell and Owl Creek Elementary in Fayetteville, Old Wire Elementary in Rogers and Green Forest Elementary, Middle School and High School.
"I've seen students grow with confidence, just like Paul said how Thea did through their abilities in art, so we really really appreciate this gift," said Richards. "It means everything to me. I know that I have seen how art can touch the lives of students and so we are so thankful and so appreciative. We're trying to make sure that the public and the schools understand that creativity must be a part of education."
A donation, made in hope of adding creativity to the classroom.
