“We are pleased to be able to partner with organizations such as Sunbury Shores that share our desire to support youth and celebrate artistic expression,” says Kyle Jensen, RBC Branch Manager, St. Stephen.  “We are delighted that this award will assist an organization that has been beacon for art education for over forty years in our local area,” he said. 

“The CLASS Program recognizes that art and nature are important for every child, not just those who may be headed down artistic, scientific or technical paths,” says Jay Remer, Chair of the Sunbury Shores’ Board of Trustees. “Not only is teaching about art and nature Sunbury Shores’ mandate, but teaching children in these fields provides an awareness of both art and science as professions as well as exposing them to the skills of observing, collecting evidence, refining hand-eye coordination, and sharpening intuitive abilities, all of which lead to improved self-esteem and self-confidence. We are so pleased that RBC is helping us continue this important work.”

The RBC Art Grant is a new annual program offered only to organizations in Atlantic Canada. Applications are evaluated based on the impact and reach of the program, and the expertise and effective management demonstrated by the organization. Other 2007 grant recipients include the Yarmouth County Museum and Archives in Nova Scotia, the Centre for Performing Arts in Prince Edward Island, and the English Harbour Arts Association in Newfoundland.   

The CLASS Program began in fall 2005 through the cooperative efforts of the Sunbury Shores Board of Trustees in securing over $30,000 in private funding; support from teachers and principals of Vincent Massey Elementary School, the Sir James Dunn Academy and the Alternate School Foundation; and through engaging a number of local artists, artisans, crafts people and naturalists in the St. Andrews area to teach the program.  In 2006, the Centre expanded the program to Grades 11 and 12 with a credit course offered to those students who are preparing to further their goals through post-secondary training.

Children from kindergarten to Grade 4 are taught by Sunbury Shores’ outreach program at their school premises, while children Grades 5 to 8, Grades 11 & 12 and youth at risk are taught on Sunbury Shores premises. Students are always accompanied by their classroom teacher and/or intervention worker. The children’s work will be showcased at the Sunbury Shores” Gallery through April 2007, and an opening reception will be held on Wednesday, April 4 from 5 - 7 pm.

About Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre
Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre is a not-for-profit, membership-based organization, situated on the shores of Passamaquoddy Bay in the resort town of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, N.B.  Since its establishment in 1964, the Centre has played a key role in the development of a strong arts community in St. Andrews through the execution of its unique mandate - to explore the connections between art and nature.  Its courses and workshops use the rich natural environment of the region as a source of artistic inspiration and nature exploration. Course instructors - professional artists, artisans, crafts people, and naturalists - are well known both in their fields of expertise and as excellent educators. 

About RBC Financial Group
RBC Financial Group (RBC) is considered one of Canada’s most respected corporations and leading employers, and is recognized among the world’s financial, social and environmental leaders. The company’s tradition of philanthropy dates back to its roots, with donations on record as far back as 1891. It is now one of Canada’s largest corporate donors, and supports a broad range of community initiatives, through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2006, the company contributed more than $83 million to community causes worldwide, through donations of more than $42 million, and an additional $41 million in sponsorship of community events and national organizations.