ARTreach continues to expand its reach into the Katy community with new and innovative art programs. Highlights of some of those programs include: Sister Schools This year, Katy ISD implemented a new iniatiative called Sister Schools. This campus partnership concept matches two schools that are necessarily close to one another geographically, but share the common value and goals of all Katy schools. As a district Partner In Education, ARTreach supports the Katy ISD Sister School program with an arts-in-education matching outreach program. Whenever one school ’s PTA brings a Young Audience or other approved cultural arts program or arts in education presentation to their own school,  ARTreach will fundraise to match the costs of the presentation for their sister school. Sister schools only need to confirm presentations and complete an ARTreach application for assistance. To celebrate Sister Schools, ARTreach is hosting an ARTparty and Happy Hour at Berryhill Baja Grill located at the Villagio Town Center on Friday,  Nov. 20, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Sister campuses, teachers and parents are invited to the event to enjoy art, music and great tacos. Berryhill is donating proceeds from the evening to ARTreach to help fund the Sister Schools ’ Arts-in-Education Program. ECD Pilot Program Performing artist and musician Dan Egger-Belandria recently visited James Williams Elementary to demonstrate a percussion-based workshop supporting Early Childhood Development. Dan’s workshop, called Rhythm Journey, introduces drumming techniques to aid in kindergarten readiness, and supports social development, reading and counting skills. The workshop helps teachers identify a child ’s motor and language skills level and development, as well the student’s ability to interpret and follow instructions.

This ARTreach workshop targets students from a non-English-speaking home, those with special needs, and children of a parent on active military duty and/or low income. Private Studio Scholarships ARTreach will begin issuing 2010 Private Studio Scholarships to gifted and talented students in January and is currently seeking sponsors for the program. Private lessons are extremely valuable but not accessible to all students. The ARTreach scholarship program provides the financial assistance needed. Sponsors underwrite the costs by contributing $250-$2,500 annually to support the program.  ARTreach awards visual art scholarships to high school and junior high school students and music scholarships to elementary-aged children demonstrating a propensity towards music. Applications will be released in January. ARTbeat ARTreach is inviting new art volunteers to Katyville Medical Care Center located in downtown Katy to participate in a new program called ARTbeat. This program is upbeat, artistic and energetic; it combines music, art and dance in a variety of ways to support emotional health, physical well being and enriched quality of life for seniors in assisted living. The program incorporates live music with group art activities. ARTreach is now training volunteers to assist in teaching art to senior citizens and individuals with Alzheimers.  Volunteers can sign up to attend training on a variety of days and locations. For info,  e-mail info@artreachonline.org. Chair-ish the Arts A unique chair painted by ARTreach heroes was the top draw at an exhibition and fundraiser held in October.  ARTreach heroes from across the area helped paint the “chair.”