Arts Jam nets over $18,000 for schools!
Rachael Recker / The Grand Rapids Press
February 27, 2006

GRAND RAPIDS - The fifth annual Arts Jam fundraiser, benefiting Grand Rapids Public Schools' music and art programs, generated record numbers Sunday afternoon at St. Cecilia Music Society. A sellout crowd of 600 helped raise over $18,000. The money came from ticket and auction sales, as well as individual and corporate contributions. About $6,000 was from sponsor donations, according to Janelle Mahlmann, program coordinator for Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids. The previous high tally was in 2004, with $17,000 donated. Last year's event raised $14,000.

The silent auction featured nearly 100 wooden sculptures decorated, detailed and donated by professional community artists, Kendall College faculty and GRPS teachers and high school students. The highest bid topped $200 for a single sculpture. "Art and P.E. and music are what kept me in school," said KEC Mayfield Middle School art teacher Karen Sitron Haight, 59, attending the event. "And now I love doing what I'm doing."

Mayor George Heartwell was emcee for the event, which featured musical performances from local acts Potato Moon, Troll For Trout, Edye Evans Hyde, Laura Aremnta, Bill Vits, Elgin Vines, Rob Dattilo and Freddy DeGennaro. "High school was a good foundation for what I do today," said the 51-year-old DeGennaro, a former Central High School student. "It's a privilege to give back a little bit. "The more we give, the more we all benefit," he added. One of the event's highlights featured a 15-minute performance by Ottawa Hills High School's Salt and Pepper Ensemble, an audition-based choir, directed by Vanessa Allen.

Sixteen-year-old Erica Soto, a first soprano, said she "couldn't imagine" what school would be like without choir. "It's helped me academically, socially. It's just something that's helped me grow as a person," she said. Said director Allen: "The arts in general brings out a part of the person -- the creative side -- that brings out the whole person." The City High School band and Creston High School Jewell Tones also performed at the event.

GRPS supporters, friends, family members and music fans came out to support the cause, including Grand Rapids City Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss, 30, who said Potato Moon is one of her favorite bands. "I'm just a huge supporter of the Grand Rapids Public Schools," Bliss said. "I believe it's important. I have a great affection for the arts." "(Arts Jam) is one way we can be supportive."

Click here for Details on the 2006 Arts Jam!

Click here for a sneak peek at a few of the sculptures
featured this year at Arts Jam!
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Arts Advocates Mission Statement
Arts Advocates is a grassroots group of parents, teachers, principals and arts professionals working to promote and strengthen the arts in Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Our goal is to be an advocate for stronger arts education in Grand Rapids Public Schools, support the excellent teachers and programs already in place, and enhance district offerings through collaboration with community artists and organizations. Click here for more information about Arts Advocates.