News Release: 4/20/2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arts Council of the Valley Awards Grants to Local Artists & Arts Educators

HARRISONBURG, VA – April 20, 2016 – The Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) is pleased
to announce the following Advancing the Arts grants awarded to local artists and
educators for projects taking place between April and October 2016.

Devon Ortt was awarded $1,000 for “Guitars for Students.” This program will provide
guitars for middle school students to participate in the Guitar Club, an after-school
enrichment program.

Ashley Sauder Miller was awarded $526 for “In Residence.” This grant will allow Ashley to
pursue and create a new body of work in her personal studio.
Harrisonburg Dance Cooperative was awarded $1,000 for “Un(Moved).” This project will
help fund the fourth live dance performance featuring original choreography from
Harrisonburg Dance Cooperative members.

Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir was awarded $1,000 for “Folk Instruments Bring
Enrichment to Shenandoah Valley Folks.” The project aims to enrich the lives of children
as they gain a greater understanding of Virginia’s musical heritage.

Joey Bell and Marley McDonald were awarded $1,000 to fund an untitled musician
healthcare documentary. The purpose of this project is to bring to light the struggles of
being a musician without access to insurance or affordable healthcare.

Jon Henry was awarded $1,000 to fund “10 Fruits”, a project that plans on planting 10
Osage orange trees throughout Harrisonburg.

OASIS Fine Arts and Crafts was awarded $412 to assist in funding a summer arts
program. The program will take place every Tuesday, and spans for 8 weeks. Students will
leave the class with a piece of handmade art that they created with the help of OASIS
artists.

Nathan Horst was awarded $750 to fund his project, “SYMBOWLIZE”. This project aims to
create a set of artistic bowls to be exhibited in galleries throughout the area.

The Inside Out Playback Theater, located at Eastern Mennonite University, was awarded
$1,000 to help fund a number of performances to take place in their venue.

ACV’s Advancing the Arts Grant Program supports Harrisonburg and Rockingham artists
and educators that work to promote the arts as fundamental to our community and those
that advocate for life-long learning in the arts. Since 2002, the Arts Council has provided
artists and art educators with over $325,000.

ACV offers two grant application opportunities each year, in October and March, to allow
for the funding of grant ideas or needs that arise throughout the year. Grant information

and guidelines can be found online at valleyarts.org

The Arts Council of the Valley promotes the arts as fundamental to a vibrant community, providing memorable arts experiences in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County