News/Media
CLASS Program Named the 2007 RBC Art Grant Recipient
in New Brunswick!
March 29, 2007 – St. Andrews, NB. RBC Financial Group is
pleased to announce Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre as the 2007
RBC Art Grant recipient for New Brunswick. The $10,000 grant will
support Sunbury Shores’ innovative program called CLASS (Children
Learning at Sunbury Shores), which provides instruction in both art and
nature for children in K-8, grades 11-12, and youth at risk, reaching
over 250 students in the St. Andrews/St. Stephen region.
“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.
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