Arts in Education Program Mission

The Arts in Education (AiE) Program is designed to promote, strengthen, and enhance the arts and arts education in Worcester County schools and other community settings. To accomplish its mission, the AiE Program:

  • Identifies and provides access to educational arts resources available outside the school system.

  • Offers financial and technical support for arts education programs in schools and community settings for the benefit of youth, adults, teachers, and communities.

  • Assists in the professional development of Teaching Artists.

  • Stimulates support for integrating the arts as a vital and effective element in the curriculum.

Arts in Education Grant: Fund Use

Grant Funds May Be Used For:

Expenses directly associated with the proposed eligible arts education engagements, including but not limited to:

  • artist payment/stipends

  • field trip admission costs

  • consultant fees

  • honoraria

  • contractual services

  • transportation

  • disposable art materials

For more information about this program and how to apply, please contact Anna Mullis, Executive Director: anna@worcestercountyartscouncil.org

Arts in Education Grant Guidelines and Application

Arts in Education Grant Guidelines

Arts in Education Grant Application

Arts in Education Final Report Form

ARTS IN EDUCATION APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AT LEAST 45 DAYS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED PROGRAM

2025 WCAC ARTS CELEBRATION

Stacey Phillips - art teacher at Ocean City and Showell Elementary Schools attended the Worcester County Arts Council’s Arts Celebration on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

Left to Right: Tamara Mills, WCAC Board of Directors President; Stacey Phillips; Anna Mullis, WCAC Executive Director

RECENT ARTS IN EDUCATION EVENTS

SNOW HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL SPRING 2025

ARTS FOR LEARNING - MARYLAND STOP MOTION ARTIST RAE HAMPLE

We love seeing creativity come to life! Thanks to our Arts in Education grant program, students at SHMS had the amazing opportunity to participate in a professional art residency with Arts for Learning Maryland and stop motion artist Rae Hample to explore, learn, and express themselves through engaging, hands-on art projects.

Over three exciting days, students transformed their ideas into animated stories using traditional stop motion techniques. With construction paper, storyboards, and the Stop Motion app on their iPads, their imaginations came to life frame by frame.

We applaud art teacher, Mrs. Shockley, and Mr. Williams for their coordination and collaboration in bringing this creative opportunity to life!

CLAY IN THE CLASSROOM: Hands-On Creativity STEPHEN DECATUR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Thanks to funding from the Worcester County Arts Council’s Arts in Education Grant Program, students at Stephen Decatur Middle School had the opportunity to explore clay as a creative medium, many for the very first time.

With clay materials provided by the grant, over 215 students engaged in hands-on learning through a three-dimensional art project, developing fine motor skills, exploring self-expression, and gaining experience with a new and tactile material. An additional 150 students experienced the impact of the project during Team Night at SDMS, further extending its reach.

Art teachers Courtney Larrick and Jessica Paradis Gonzalez shared the joy and transformation they witnessed in the classroom:

“Having an abundance of clay to utilize with my hundreds of art students has been such a blessing. Students were able to do hands-on learning, create a sculpted piece from a new material, and take home something they were proud of. Most said this was their favorite project - it allowed them to express themselves and share their creativity with their families,” wrote Ms. Larrick.

She added, “Thank you, Worcester County Arts Council, from the bottom of my heart. We could not have this meaningful art experience here at SDMS without your help.”

The Arts Council is proud to support projects that nurture creativity in Worcester County’s schools and strengthen arts education across our community.

Below are some samples of projects created by students in the clay class!


Worcester County Public Schools Art and Music Faculty Professional Development Workshop Led by Devin Walker, Music & Teaching Artist

BERLIN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Production of “Winnie the Pooh, KIDS”

Buckingham Elementary School - Workshop/Residency

Kevin Marin, Rockcreek Steel Pans - 3 half day classes for 2nd grade culminating in a performance for parents.

Showell Elementary School

Author/Illustrator Nez Riaz - talked on being an author and illustrator of children’s books.