This summer, thanks to supporters who contributed to the Solomon David-Schill Memorial Fund and a unique partnership with the North Dakota Museum of Art, five youth are attending Art Camp. The theme for art camp that three elementary children attended was "nature in art." Anish Magar (above) was one lucky child this summer as he participated in art camp for a week in July and as you can see from his shirt, he was part of Summer Performing Arts (SPA), a collaborative effort between the Grand Forks Public Schools' SPA program, Encore, and Global Friends Coalition.
We are so fortunate in Grand Forks to have programs in the community that embrace children. Our New American families cannot always take advantage of the programs offered through the Grand Forks Public Schools, the University of North Dakota, and the Grand Forks Park District for a variety of reasons, including cost, lack of transportation, and parents' work schedules that don't allow them to help make these connections happen. That's why Global Friends supports youth in these programs and we would like to increase the number of children participating. Why are these programs important? They build confidence, provide new opportunities, introduce children to other children in the community, and provide outlets for expression.
"I want to go to Art Camp again!" That was the response when the week was over. Help more children participate in activities in Greater Grand Forks with a gift to Global Friends. You are welcome to target the gift to our Solomon David-Schill Memorial Fund or the Resilient Youth Program so that more children get these opportunities. It's easy to donate. And, ALL gifts are being matched right now by the Otto Bremer Trust. Please visit our websiteto donate or mail in your donation to Global Friends at 600 Demers Avenue; Suite 406A, Grand Forks, ND 58201. Or, if you'd like to help drive children to various activities, please contact us. We can always use help getting kids to various events.
Sincerely,
Cynthia H. Shabb
Executive Director
Here's a sampling of the art that Anisha Kami created in a week at the ND Museum of Art's camp entitled, "Nature in Art" with artist Gabrielle Shea Walberg.
