LIMA, OHIO (WLIO) - ArtSpace Lima received a $7,500 donation from Cenovus Energy Lima Refinery to help launch their new “SmArt Reads” program. The “SmArt Reads” series will provide kids with the chance to read stories about the childhoods of popular artists like Keith Haring and Frida Kahlo while also enjoying art activities inspired by those artists. They hope to ignite a passion for both art and reading in the community while getting some sunshine through readings at area parks.
“This has been kind of a long idea; there used to be reading programs in the parks, and it just came about that this could be something that not only is exciting for kids, but it's also an activity. We kind of drew on some other inspirations that were happening and decided that this is a great art and reading. And it’s also a way to get kids to keep that book and continue to read; maybe share that with others,” says Sally Windle, Ex. Dir. ArtSpace Lima.
“We're certainly interested in helping young people prepare for whatever is next, and we know that whether someone is coming to work for us at the refinery or whatever career they're going to, really, a program like this which is fostering literacy and creativity is going to help them down the road. So, we're just really pleased to be a part of it,” says Heather Rutz, Cenovus Lima Refinery Communications Manager.
ArtSpace will have different artists and locations for the program, which will be announced on their website on June 20th.
