$10,000 to support mental wellness through expressive arts therapy
Presque Isle, Maine—Wintergreen Arts Center recently received a $10,000 grant from the Maine Community Foundation to continue its work with Shelby Pelletier, LCPC ATR, to help teaching staff better engage the arts to support the mental wellness of students.
This grant is made from the Maine Expansion Arts Fund ($7,000) and from the Elizabeth Laughlin Anderson Memorial Fund ($3,000) of the Maine Community Foundation at the recommendation of the advisors.
Wintergreen is contracting with Shelby Pelletier, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, who will continue her work with the arts center’s teaching staff to enrich existing children’s programming, including its creative preschool and after school and summer arts programs, through expressive arts therapy applications.
Shelby will also create community involvement by leading therapeutic programming for teens, adults, and seniors.
Shelby Pelletier, LCPC, ATR, is in private practice and owner, curator of The Common Gallery, Main Street, Presque Isle.
“We are extremely grateful for the Maine Community Foundation’s support to continue our work with Shelby Pelletier,” said Dottie Hutchins, Wintergreen’s executive director.
“Having Shelby as our consultant allows Wintergreen to serve students of all ages who otherwise may not have the resources or insurance benefits to seek therapeutic counselling through the arts; her work is remarkable.”
About Maine Community Foundation: The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.
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. To learn more, please visit www.wintergreenarts.org.