Grant to fund pilot program for middle school students
BERNARD The Bass Harbor Memorial Library has been chosen as one of 11 recipients of the 2021 Maine Public Library Fund grant for its MDI Open Art Studio, a collaboration with licensed counselor and certified art therapist Dawn Nuding and professional artist and educator Kathie Pratt.
The $3,585 grant will fund a free, art-based wellness group/community pilot program for middle school students in the MDI area. The Open Studio concept is an evidence-based art therapy practice facilitating learning and insight through self-directed artistic expression.
“The COVID19 crisis has greatly limited natural outlets, social connections and community-based support for most students,” said Nuding. “As this crisis endures, we are seeing a significant decline in the mental health and wellness of school–aged children.”