Wintergreen receives grant for summer arts camperships from Daniel Cardillo Charitable Fund of the Maine Community Foundation


9-year-old Nikki Dyer channels her inner unicorn at Wintergreen’s popular Unicorn Camp

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine—Wintergreen Arts Center recently received a $4,500 grant for summer arts camperships from the Daniel Cardillo Charitable Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.

“This gift allows us to honor scholarships across our entire summer arts program,” said Dottie Hutchins, Wintergreen’s executive director.  “A total of 20 different camps at three locations this year.”  

On June 27, Wintergreen kicked off its 2022 Summer Arts Program with Nature & Art Camp, one of four camps based out of the Sargent Family Community Center in partnership with the Presque Isle Recreation and Parks Department.

On July 5, visual, digital, and other arts camps commence at Wintergreen’s home base in the Aroostook Centre Mall. While Art with HeART, a unique, relationship-building summer arts program in partnership with the Presque Isle Housing Authority, is held at 39 Davis Street in the Birch Street neighborhood.

“Art with HeART is free to all area youth and scholarships for the other 19 camps are available to those who may not otherwise be able to attend,” said Hutchins.

“Thanks in part to this gift, we’re able to remove cost as a barrier for our students,” Hutchins added.  “The Maine Community Foundation does great work in bringing non-profit organizations and donors with shared passions together; and when I read about Daniel Cardillo, the namesake and inspiration for the fund, I know our students are a perfect fit.”

About Maine Community Foundation:  Headquartered in Ellsworth, with additional personnel in Portland, Dover-Foxcroft, and Mars Hill, the Maine Community Foundation works with donors and other partners to provide strong investments, personalized service, local expertise, and strategic giving to improve the quality of life for all Maine people. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.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.