PRESQUE ISLE, Maine—State Farm Agent John J. Harvell recognized an opportunity to help local area youth last June 2016, when he started sponsoring monthly Pizza ‘n Paint for TEENS & TWEENS events at the Wintergreen Arts Center. In January 2017, State Farm Companies Foundation matched John’s generous donation with a grant of $1,500.00 to support local youth art at Wintergreen.
Pizza ‘n Paint for TEENS & TWEENS was created by Wintergreen Party & Event Planner Amy Joy Berube in May of 2016. But, at $25 per student she was not able to serve the number of area youth she hoped to attract to the Center. One day when State Farm Agent John Harvell stopped by to pick up his son from Wintergreen’s After School Arts Program, he noticed a Pizza ‘n Paint monthly flyer and immediately commented that the price was too high. He decided to sponsor the event and later encouraged State Farm Companies Foundation to join him.
With Harvell’s lead sponsorship, and a sponsorship from Katahdin Trust Company, Wintergreen was able to cut the cost to area youth; and, on June 24, 2016, the event sold out. With the encouragement of Wintergreen’s Berube, others came forward to support the evening of creative activity; drinks were provided by Pepsi; pizza by Circle K; and the young artists enjoyed a special cookie intermission provided by Kelly Mathes of Confectionately Yours. Pizza ‘n Paint for TEENS & TWEENS was here to stay at Wintergreen.
When thanked by Wintergreen for his sponsorship, leadership, and generosity, Harvell said, “Thank you for all the work you put into making the Star City just a little bit brighter. Without the Wintergreen Arts Center, I’m confident many in Presque Isle, and the greater area, would be without any art in their lives. Keep up the good work!”
Over the months, the Presque Isle Police Department also joined Harvell to co-sponsor several Pizza ‘n Paint for TEENS & TWEENS events at Wintergreen. A focus on the benefits of youth art in Aroostook County strikes a natural cord with many area businesses and organizations.
Youth art also strikes a familiar cord with the Harvell family. John’s wife Heather Harvell is a long-time, active supporter of the Wintergreen Arts Center. From art advocate, to instructor, to executive director, and co-chair of the board, Heather has served Wintergreen in most all capacities since its origination in 2006. Today, Heather is happy to step back, and get back to her roots as an artist and art instructor.
Heather loves children and it shows. They affectionately call her “The Art Lady.” She is often called into Wintergreen to teach classes including the latest Pizza ‘n Paint for TEENS & TWEENS. So, Saturday, February 18, 2017, Heather taught a room full of brothers and sisters, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren how to paint in pairs.
“Heather chose a comical moose caricature and had the whole room relaxed and painting,” said Amy Joy Berube, Wintergreen’s party and events coordinator. “She has a true gift for encouraging creativity and sharing her love of art. And, we are so appreciative of John’s lead sponsorship and what it means to making these events affordable for the youth in our area. He started something that continues to grow and bring in other sponsors. It is wonderful.”