$15,000 project to support mental wellness through the arts
Presque Isle, Maine—Wintergreen Arts Center recently received an Arts Jobs Grant in the amount of $15,000 from the Maine Arts Commission to engage the arts and creative process in supporting the mental wellness of students.
Wintergreen is contracting with Shelby Pelletier, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, who will work with the arts center’s teaching staff across all existing curricula including its creative preschool and afterschool arts program.
Shelby Pelletier, LCPC, ATR, is in private practice and owner, curator of The Common Gallery, Main Street, Presque Isle.
The goal of the Maine Arts Commission’s Arts Jobs Grant is to support public projects that develop opportunities for Maine artists and encourage employee retention. The Arts Jobs Grant is made possible through funding by the National Endowment for the Arts as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“We are extremely grateful for the Maine Arts Commission’s support and to be working with Shelby Pelletier,” said Dottie Hutchins, Wintergreen’s executive director.
“Shelby is kicking off the project with set of workshops for all of our teachers,” added Hutchins. “She will also be working closely with our afterschool arts team as we roll out a unique Arts Journaling session in March.”
With an eye on the future, Wintergreen plans to seek additional grant opportunities to continue its work with Pelletier.
The Maine Arts Commission is an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more at mainearts.maine.gov/
About Wintergreen Arts Center: The Wintergreen Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006, and located in Presque Isle, Maine. Wintergreen is an organization based on the idea that creativity, advocacy, and community can produce great things. Our mission is to provide meaningful experiences that encourage an appreciation of the arts, stimulate creativity and innovation, and offer an artistic community space where all are welcome.