Hands-On Art Fun Day:

The GEF continues to support this annual event which allows community members of all ages to try their hand at various art forms with the guidance of area artists who share their talent, techniques, and expertise. A grant of $800 was awarded to cover supply costs so that this event may remain free to the community. (Application submitted by: Robin Sidwell, Granby Artists Association)

Chemistry in Art/Art in Chemistry:

A grant of $1,335 was awarded to GMHS for the continuation of this program which integrates the two seemingly different disciplines of science and art in an authentic and real-world way. Students will study the chemistry behind the Raku ceramic process and then employ their creativity to create their own pieces. (Application submitted by: Baokhanh Paton – GMHS Science Teacher, and Hollie Hecht – GMHS Art Teacher)

"Fiesta del Norte" Assembly:

This program was extended to GMMS and GMHS after its success in the spring at the Kelly Lane and Wells Road Schools. An additional $1,100 was awarded to bring the well-known Mariachi group Fiesta del Norte to perform for students in support of their Spanish language curriculum. “Fiesta del Norte dresses in traditional “charro” outfits and plays a wide repertoire highlighting the varied styles of music from several areas of Mexico. They use authentic instruments behind their beautiful bilingual singing, and weave song translations, storytelling and cultural insights between songs.” (Application submitted by: Laura Iapichino – GMHS Spanish Teacher, and Mark Neri – GMMS & GMHS Band Teacher)

Mid-Stage Curtain:

GMHS was awarded $5,456 for the purchase and installation of a mid-stage curtain on the stage of the auditorium. The curtain will increase the versatility of the space for use by the students and community, allowing for contiguous space usage and providing the tools necessary to enhance the curriculums of the drama and music programs. (Application submitted by: Nikki Currie-Huggard – GMHS Drama Teacher, Karen Kudish – GMHS English Teacher, and Emily Cote – GMHS Student)

Percussion Concert:

Valley Pre-School was awarded $400 to sponsor a percussion program which allows children to have a direct and hands-on experience with a variety of cultures through music and a diversity of instruments. (Application submitted by: Maureen Williams – Valley Pre-School Board Member)

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Arts Grants Fall 2014

Kelly Lane and Wells Road Schools were awarded $1,100 to bring the well-known Mariachi group Fiesta del Norte to perform for them in support of their Spanish language curriculum. “Fiesta del Norte dresses in traditional “charro” outfits and plays a wide repertoire highlighting the varied styles of music from several areas of Mexico. They use authentic instruments behind their beautiful bilingual singing, and weave song translations, storytelling and cultural insights between songs.” (Application submitted by: Laura Iapichino – GMHS Spanish Teacher, and Mark Neri – GMMS & GMHS Band Teacher)

May 2013

GMHS Science Teacher, Baokhanh Paton (in partnership with Art Teacher, Hollie Hecht) was awarded $1,305 for the Chemistry in Art/Art in Chemistry initiative. Students will be given the opportunity to integrate the two seemingly different disciplines of science and art in an authentic and real-world way.

The Granby Artists Association has been granted $600 to sponsor their Hands on Art Fun Day 2013. This free event gives community members of all ages an opportunity to view demonstrations and work with local artists in a variety of mediums.

$1,600 was awarded to Sandra Yost (Program Coordinator, Town of Granby Senior Center) as seed money for the Stuck on Music program which encompasses and spectrum of curriculum including; voice, instrumental, history, theory, and performance.

March 2013

Karen Richmond-Godard, French teacher at Granby Memorial High School, was awarded $1600 to implement a series of workshops and performances of West African drumming and dance by the Kouffin Kaneke Company during World Language Week at GMHS. The week culminated in a day of workshops and performances from the Kouffin Kanecke West African Dance Troupe. Students were given some back-ground about founder Aly Tatchol Camara’s homeland, Guinea, as well as the tradition behind West African drumming and dance. After a brief performance, students were invited to come on stage and try drumming and dance themselves. The countries of Western Africa have a rich cultural heritage and for many at GMHS, the Kouffin Kanecke West Afri-can Dance and Drum Group provided their first experience with these cultures and may have sparked a passion they never knew existed.

March 2012

The Granby Artists Association was awarded $695 to fund supplies and materials for their Family Fun Day at Holcomb Farm. This event allows local artists to demonstrate their talent and technique and then offer guidance for participants of all ages to try their hand at weaving, jewelry making, watercolor, oil painting, photography, caricatures, wood working, and art expressions.

March 2012

Mindy Shilansky was awarded $800 for a series of workshops and master classes open to GMHS and GMMS students which allow for educational experiences outside the scope of the Music Department’s curriculum.

February 2011

Susan Reed Family Concert: Valley Pre-School of Granby presented a family concert with award-winning children’s recording artist Susan Reed. Susan's songs, stories, and orchestral music draws the audience into the rich world of classical music, connecting audience to ensemble and strengthening your musical community. Susan spins unforgettable stories that grow right from her banjo, guitar, mountain dulcimer and violin strings. Her versatile instrumental “voice” presents a uniquely effective way of inspiring young people to pick up an instrument, write a story, sing a song and live a life filled with art. For more information on the artist, visit susanreed.com. To read more about the concert visit TheGranbysPatch for this article.

November 2010

Thula Sizwe, a 10-member group from South Africa, entertained a packed house in Granby with songs and dances celebrating village life, and painted moving pictures of life in South Africa. Read more.

November 2010

Good Company Theater: Seed money was granted to the newly established community theater in Granby for the purchase of a sound system. The Good Company Theater is "an intergenerational organization designed to create and produce confident and quality theater for the enrichment, education, and entertainment of our community."

GEF Celebrates $200,000 Goal by Granting One‐Time Special Grant - Granby Memorial High School Auditorium Wireless Microphone System.