What’s GASP?
The mission of GASP is to ensure that the arts are an integral part of the education of every child, K-12, in Mendocino County.
The program is funded primarily by the Mendocino County Office of Education with additional funding from private donors. GASP funds artist workshops and live performances in Mendocino County schools during the school year. The goal of the program is to infuse the arts in the core curriculum and to involve and expose school children to quality, educational, curriculum-based artistic experiences. Artists work closely with classroom teachers and after-school coordinators to enrich the curriculum by presenting arts programs that are relevant to other core academic subjects. Teachers benefit from the partnership by exposure to current techniques and developments in the various art forms.
How Much Money is Available?
The total amount available for grants to artists varies from year to year. In the 2007/08 school year, a total of $18,125 was awarded in grants to 11 artists to produce 35 workshops or performances in Mendocino County schools and after-schools programs.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for a GASP grant, an ARTIST must meet all four of the following criteria:
1. To be eligible, an artist must be a Professional in their art field.
2. To be eligible, an artist must have prior experience presenting an art program or project in a classroom setting.
3. To be eligible, an artist must reside in Mendocino County.
4. To be eligible, an artist must be a current member of Arts Council of Mendocino County. To join, click here or call (707) 961-5449.
In order to be eligible for a GASP grant, a SCHOOL or AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM must meet both of the following criteria:
1. To be eligible, a school must be serviced by MCOE (private schools are currently ineligible)
2. To be eligible, a school must be able to present a GASP program during the regular school day or in an arts and education after school program.
If I Qualify, How Do I Apply?
Artists who meet all four of the qualifying criteria should submit an application packet to the Arts Council of Mendocino County by the application deadline. The artist application process opens each summer with applications due in September. Grant guidelines and application materials are available on the Arts Council website at www.artsmendocino.org or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Arts Council of Mendocino County
GASP – Artist Application Request
P.O. Box 1393
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Schools and after-school programs apply to receive a GASP artist workshop or performance by submitting a letter of interest. The letter should briefly state a desired outcome of having a GASP artist at their school or in their class. The letter should also state the grade level, if there is a request for a specific art discipline (ie: visual art, dance, music, poetry, storytelling, etc.), and if the class has any special needs. Letters of interest can be submitted throughout the year and should be emailed to director@artsmendocino.org with subject “GASP – School Request” or mailed to:
Arts Council of Mendocino County
GASP – School Request
P.O. Box 1393
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
GASP Artist Application Review Process:
Artist applications are evaluated by a review panel appointed by MCOE and ACMC each October and are assessed according to an established criteria that awards for artistic quality, educational merit, experience in schools, evidence of administrative capacity, and artistic and educational uniqueness.
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“This program validates children in a unique way which may be lost in this time of great pressure to do well on tests...gasp.”
- Janice Moore, Teacher
GASP Artist Ann Maglinte with
students in Willits
“Art is a vital part of a wholesome life. In my view, it enriches the spirit. I’ve watched children thrive while engaged in art, so it’s an important part of my class. Thousand thanks for allowing my class to participate in GASP!”
- Manya Wik, Teacher
GASP Artist Scotty Wright giving a lecture on the History of Jazz to a group of students at Noyo High School in Fort Bragg
"40 or so students directly worked on the project, but the whole school community participated indirectly…many more attended the unveiling and are proud and happy to have a new art work beautify their school. GASP is doing great things for school kids and artists in Mendocino County. Keep up the good work!”
- Carolyn Bakewell, Teacher
A student in Bonnie Veblen's "Finding
Identity Through Creativity" GASP
workshop at Ukiah High School
A proud student in Cathleen Micheaels'
GASP "Ode to Not So Ordinary Fruits & Vegetables"
Poetry and Bookmaking workshop in Point Arena
Students in Round Valley work on a
tile mosaic in Elizabeth Raybee's GASP workshop
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