{"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"callToActionDisplayName":"Institute for the Creative Arts","outOfStateSupporters":31.6,"allowSchoolLevelGiving":true,"hasFundedProjects":true,"projectGratitudeData":[{"teacherId":9765915,"projectId":9722700,"letterContent":"When our new watercolor supplies arrived, the excitement in the room was incredible! Students couldn't wait to open the fresh watercolor palettes, brushes, and paper. For many, it was their first time using professional-quality materials, and the difference was immediately clear—they felt like real artists.\r\n\r\nWe've been using these resources in our \"Painting with Pride\" watercolor unit, where students learn about blending, layering, and expressing emotion through color and texture. Having a complete class set meant that every student could work at the same time, experiment freely, and truly dive into the creative process without worrying about sharing limited supplies. Watching their confidence grow as they mastered new techniques has been inspiring—each project feels more thoughtful and expressive than the last.\r\n\r\nNext, our students will be creating a watercolor exhibition that celebrates individuality and community pride. This project has not only improved their artistic skills but also encouraged them to see art as a form of storytelling and self-empowerment.\r\n\r\nWe are so grateful for the generosity that made this possible. The materials have transformed our classroom into a vibrant, creative space where students feel proud of their work and their voices shine through every brushstroke.","fullyFundedDate":1758816685239,"projectUrl":"project/painting-with-pride/9722700/","projectTitle":"Painting with Pride!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765915_orig.jpg?crop=567,567,x81,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728054558716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765915"},{"teacherId":9765915,"projectId":9753294,"letterContent":"When our students first saw the new skate decks and paint, their excitement was contagious! They couldn't believe they were going to design and paint their own skateboard decks for our \"Deck the Halls\" Skate Deck Design Contest. Many of them had never worked on a project that combined art, design, and skate culture before, and seeing those blank decks instantly sparked creative ideas.\r\n\r\nWe've been using the materials to explore themes of self-expression, pop culture, and street art. Students sketched their concepts, learned about color theory and composition, and then brought their ideas to life directly on the decks. The hands-on experience helped them understand how art can exist beyond paper and canvas—it can move, inspire, and connect with their community.\r\n\r\nNext, our students will display their finished decks in a school and community art show, where peers and families can vote on their favorites. This project not only boosted engagement and confidence but also showed our students how their creativity can transform something ordinary into something meaningful and expressive.","fullyFundedDate":1758799491193,"projectUrl":"project/deck-the-halls/9753294/","projectTitle":"Deck the Halls!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765915_orig.jpg?crop=567,567,x81,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728054558716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765915"},{"teacherId":9765915,"projectId":9541366,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generosity, our computer lab has become a much more engaging and efficient place for learning! The new projectors have transformed the way I can teach digital lessons—students can now clearly see demonstrations, tutorials, and examples projected at full size. This visual access helps them follow along in real time, making lessons more interactive and easier to understand.\r\n\r\nThe mouse pads may seem like a small addition, but they've made a huge difference in comfort and accuracy. Many of our students are still developing fine motor skills, and having a smooth surface for their mouse helps them work faster and more confidently during digital art projects, coding lessons, and research activities.\r\n\r\nThe most exciting part for my students is how connected they now feel—seeing their work projected for the class to celebrate, share feedback, or collaborate on group projects. One student who was often hesitant to participate now proudly volunteers to present her artwork on the big screen. Others are thrilled to show off their progress in real time during class demonstrations.\r\n\r\nOverall, these tools have made our lab feel like a creative studio where every student can see, share, and succeed. Thank you for helping us bring this level of engagement and excitement into our classroom!","fullyFundedDate":1757522340812,"projectUrl":"project/projecting-our-goals/9541366/","projectTitle":"Projecting Our Goals!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765915_orig.jpg?crop=567,567,x81,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728054558716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765915"},{"teacherId":9765915,"projectId":8804092,"letterContent":"Thanks to your generous support, my students now have the resources to bring their creative visions to life while learning important lessons about sustainability. With the linoleum cutting supplies you provided, my students have begun repurposing fabrics and transforming old, worn-out clothing into unique, one-of-a-kind designs. In one of our first projects, students took old fabrics and used lino prints to add vibrant, artistic patterns to them to create wearable bandanas! They were thrilled to see their designs come to life, and the project quickly became a hands-on lesson in how art can give new life to things that would otherwise end up in landfills.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, the excitement was palpable. My students immediately dove into the lino cutting process, experimenting with patterns and learning the delicate art of carving their designs. Seeing the transformation of old fabric into something beautiful—and knowing that it's a small but meaningful step toward protecting the environment—has been empowering for them. They're not only enhancing their creativity but also learning about the impact of their choices on the world around them.\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, we're diving deeper into a project that will tie together design, sustainability, and social impact. The next steps for my students will involve creating a series of upcycled clothing items, which they will then present in a small \"fashion show\" to showcase how art and creativity can play a role in environmental change. They're excited to continue exploring ways to make a difference, one fabric design at a time, and your contribution has given them the tools to do so. Thank you for making this possible!","fullyFundedDate":1727706502526,"projectUrl":"project/students-saving-the-world/8804092/","projectTitle":"Students Saving the World","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765915_orig.jpg?crop=567,567,x81,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728054558716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765915"},{"teacherId":9765915,"projectId":8897912,"letterContent":"I am excited to share the incredible impact your generous contribution has had on our students! Thanks to your support, we were able to create a dedicated gallery wall in our classroom to showcase the amazing artwork our students have been creating. The new gallery walls have provided our young artists with a space to display their work with pride, and it has truly transformed our classroom into a vibrant, professional space for art. The first time the students saw their pieces hanging up, their faces lit up with excitement and pride. Many of them had never experienced the feeling of seeing their work displayed like this, and it inspired them to keep creating and refining their craft.\r\n\r\nThis project has also opened up opportunities for deeper learning. The students are now able to reflect on their own work and the work of their peers in a gallery setting. They've been learning about curating an exhibit, how to title their pieces, and even the importance of presentation when showcasing art to the public. Looking ahead, we'll be working on expanding the gallery with new pieces, and eventually hosting a \"student gallery opening\" event where they will present their work to family and friends. The students are excited to take ownership of the space and share their creative journey with others.\r\n\r\nThank you again for your generosity in making this project possible. Your support has not only enhanced our classroom but has also given our students a powerful new way to connect with their art and with each other!","fullyFundedDate":1731097769937,"projectUrl":"project/art-in-the-spotlight-showcasing-student/8897912/","projectTitle":"Art in the Spotlight: Showcasing Student Creativity!","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765915_orig.jpg?crop=567,567,x81,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728054558716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765915"},{"teacherId":9765915,"projectId":8848779,"letterContent":"I am so excited to share the incredible impact your generous contribution has had on our students here at ICA! Thanks to your support, our young artists had the opportunity to create artwork prints and merchandise to sell at our school's book fair. This project not only allowed them to express their creativity in new ways, but it also gave them hands-on experience with budgeting, pricing, and the business side of art—one of the toughest lessons for any young artist to learn.\r\n\r\nWhen the materials first arrived, our students were overjoyed! They couldn't wait to dive into the project, and it was amazing to see their excitement as they began planning and creating their work. The opportunity to take their ideas and turn them into tangible products—prints, stickers, and bookmarks—was truly empowering. They were so proud of what they had made, and their enthusiasm was contagious!\r\n\r\nLooking ahead, this project will continue to be a stepping stone for our students as they refine their skills and work on future artistic endeavors. Next, we'll be diving into marketing and sales strategies, learning how to effectively present and pitch their work to customers. This is a critical skill not just for aspiring artists, but for any young person looking to make their mark in the world.\r\n\r\nThank you once again for your support. Your contribution is making a real difference in the lives of our students, helping them grow as both artists and entrepreneurs!","fullyFundedDate":1728592110042,"projectUrl":"project/art-money-empowering-young-artists-th/8848779/","projectTitle":"Art & Money: Empowering Young Artists Through Financial Literacy","teacherDisplayName":"Ms. Rae","teacherPhotoUrl":"https://storage.donorschoose.net/dc_prod/images/teacher/profile/orig/tp9765915_orig.jpg?crop=567,567,x81,y25&width=272&height=272&fit=bounds&auto=webp&t=1728054558716","teacherClassroomUrl":"classroom/9765915"}],"pageName":"schoolpage_133496","usesDonorsChoose":true,"infoPageType":"school","demographicsInfo":{"numStudents":null,"numTeachers":null,"percentFrplEligible":77,"percentAsian":4,"percentBlack":9,"percentWhite":36,"percentIndigenous":0,"percentLatinx":35,"showFreeAndReducedPriceLunchInfo":true,"showDemographicsInfo":true,"sourceTooltipString":"the National Center for Education Statistics","gradesServed":"Not specified","studentTeacherRatio":null,"demographicsDataSource":"MDR District Weighted Average","equityFocus":true,"titleOne":false,"metroType":"UNCLASSIFIED","ncesMetroType":null},"inStateSupporters":68.4,"schoolId":133496,"financialInfo":null,"twitterShareText":"Learn more about Institute for the Creative Arts on @DonorsChoose:","schoolName":"Institute for the Creative Arts","canonicalPageUrl":"schools/arkansas/fort-smith-school-district/institute-for-the-creative-arts/133496"}