Art After School, the hugely successful art enrichment program sponsored by St. John’s Episcopal Church in Walpole, begins its 10th year with an exciting transition! The program has grown so much that it is now an independent non-profit art enrichment program for first through sixth graders in Walpole and surrounding communities.

The program will always have a home with St John’s and will continue to meet in the St John’s Parish Hall on 26 Elm Street. We have a new name: Walpole Art After School, and a new Facebook page with the same name. Our new website can be found at http://www.walpoleartafterschool.org. We are grateful to Kelli Wilson for designing our new communication methods. The staff remains the same with new titles: Susan Kershaw is the Executive Director and Racheal Scott is Creative Director.

This new transition opens up the possibility of a second weekly session, perhaps focusing on enhancing art skills for young artists who show particular talent, or for specialized groups such as sewing or quilting.

As a non-profit organization, Walpole Art After School depends on the generosity of parents and community members. Would you consider making a difference in the life of a young artist with a gift to the Walpole Art After School 2016 Fund? The cost of sponsoring one young artist’s participation is as follows:
One month = $50
One semester = $200
Two semesters = $400

Donations are tax-deductible and can be made out to Walpole Art After School, c/o St John’s Church, PO Box 179, Walpole, NH 03608. St John’s is acting as our fiscal manager. All Walpole Art After School funds are held in a a savings account separate from church accounts.

In addition, plans for an adult version are underway. Racheal and Susan will lead a fundraising evening on Thursday, December 3, 7 – 9 p.m., at St John’s Parish Hall, called “Glittery Baubles.” They will teach techniques for using alcohol inks to create gorgeous glass ornaments and fabulous pendants. The creative results will make great Christmas gifts. The proceeds from this event will go to support the 2016 budget for Walpole Art After School. The event fee is $50, and includes all materials and dessert.

Future events include painting birch scenes using masking techniques and making exquisite paper bowls using collage techniques. Dates for these winter events will be announced later.

Please contact Executive Director Susan Kershaw for more information or to register for the Dec 3 event: 756-2962 or susankershaw54@gmail.com.