Springhill Suites by Marriott and the Vero Beach Art Club partnered again last Thursday to host Art-Tini, a fundraising exhibition to benefit middle school art classes.
“Each Springhill Suites gets to designate how and when they do their event,” said Amy Selby, Springhill’s director of sales, explaining that the hotelier holds Art Nights around the country to support fine arts.
Last year’s inaugural event underwrote art supplies for the Vero Beach Recreation Department. This year, 100 percent of the money raised at the event, through member entry fees and a portion of art sales, would help fund middle school art programs.
While art and music classes were standard courses for previous generations of school children, today’s syllabus is all about primary studies, centered on mandated Florida Comprehensive Assessment Tests (FCAT) standardized exams. Funding is a little like trickle-down economics, with math, English and science receiving the bulk of the distribution, and maybe a drop or two to the rest.
“The middle schools are under-represented as far as we are concerned,” said show chair Sue Dinenno, an artist and former VBAC president. “We are taking this opportunity in conjunction with Springhill Suites to focus on funding their art programs.”
“The middle schools get zero added funding for art,” said Dawn Mill, VBAC Education Chair. “They have art but the teachers themselves do not get money for supplies. It is up to the principals to give any extra funding if it is available. The middle schools receive nothing extra from the state. Many art teachers pay for supplies out of their own pocket.”
For the last few years, to offset those costs, the Art Club has donated gift cards to art teachers through its Arts4Smarts program.
Approximately 100 guests enjoyed multi-colored Purple Dragon and Blue Lemon martinis, and an amazing buffet which Selby said was “donated by a really special person.”
Springhill also held a contest to select a piece of artwork for its hotel keycards, choosing one by Rita Ziegler of a white heron with turquoise and green seagrasses.
“It has the colors and subject which goes with our theme here at the hotel very well,” said Marissa Echemendia, who assisted Selby in choosing the winner.
Artwork by middle school students was also on exhibit.
“I am thrilled that the children are in the show so they can enhance their appreciation of art in the world. It is so brave of these young kids to put their art out there,” said Liz Mayo of Artfully Managed, who had a piece in the member division.
“The kids’ work is unbelievable,” said artist Paul Davis. “These kids’ work is equal or better than mine at this level. Middle school is the grade that, if you’ve got it talent-wise, this is the time you really blossom.”
“There is a budget for some supplies or we collect fees from parents for some projects. If students do not have the money they can ask for scholarships. We take care of it,” said Gifford Middle School Principal Roxanne Decker, pleased by the support. “I like seeing the exhibition of the student artwork, too. I think it is excellent that the community gets to see what is going on in the public schools with art.”
Last year $670 was raised and organizers estimated that at least $1,400 dollars would be raised this time.
“This just gives us another wonderful opportunity to help children, especially in the arts area which is near and dear to our hearts. Springhill Suites are of an inspiring design and we know how important it is in children’s lives to be creative,” said Selby.
