Aroostook Partners in the Arts award youth scholarships


PRESQUE ISLE, Maine—Aroostook Partners in the Arts recently awarded scholarships to two local youth enabling them to attend the afterschool arts program at Wintergreen Arts Centers. The students are enrolled in the 6-week spring session entitled, “A Journey from 2D to 3D Art.”

Aroostook Partners in the Arts (APA) is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to enhancing arts education for students in Aroostook County.

“We Believe that the arts are centrally important to the education of all students,” said Jennifer Crandall, APA president. “The goal of our youth scholarship program is to foster, support, and sponsor performing arts, visual arts and humanity experiences for school children and young people in the community.”

Dottie Hutchins, Wintergreen’s executive director, said “Aroostook Partners in the Arts is doing great things for local children through the arts. Their youth scholarship program is a powerful way to make arts education available to all kids in Aroostook County, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. We value the impact they have at Wintergreen.”

APA’s Crayons and Care program also touches local children in their time of need. Through the Crayons and Care program, APA creates and distributes age-appropriate arts supplies and books to children in foster care in Aroostook County. In 2023, the program was expanded to include Homeless Services of Aroostook and the Hope & Justice Project.

Jennifer added, “Aroostook Partners in the Arts also has a sponsorship program designed to provide financial support for youth-led art projects that have the potential to make a positive impact on our community. We believe that together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young artists and create a positive impact through the arts.”

About Aroostook Partners in the Arts: (APA) is an enthusiastic, passionate Board of volunteers committed to bringing all forms of art to the schools. We are looking for new members from all Aroostook County communities to help continue the fundraising events that support our mission. The APA Board meets once a month in Presque Isle. We welcome any interested members of the public to join us for a meeting. Visit partnersinthearts.org.

About Wintergreen Arts Center:  The Wintergreen Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006, and located in Presque Isle, Maine. Wintergreen is an organization based on the idea that creativity, advocacy, and community can produce great things. Our mission is to provide meaningful experiences that encourage an appreciation of the arts, stimulate creativity and innovation, and offer an artistic community space where all are welcome.