GCAG members Mary Margaret Soulé, at left, and Jane Bowen, at right, present a check to Brian Tudor of Silver High School.

Patricia Doherty of Harrison Schmitt Elementary School receives a check from GCAG Board member, Jane Bowen.

The Grant County Art Guild gave two additional "Art Makes You Smart" grants to two art teachers who had previously applied for the original grants given by the Guild last December. The grants are intended to help art teachers purchase supplies for art projects in their classrooms. The grant money was generously donated by a Guild member. "It's a shame that the Guild couldn't give grants to all the teachers who applied" said the guild member, who preferred to remain anonymous. "The students of these teachers should have the resources needed to pursue art in their classrooms."

Brian Tudor is one of the recipients of a $200 grant. Brian was hired as an English teacher at Silver High School in 1995. He also taught photography and began teaching art eleven years ago. "As an educator here at Silver High for the past twenty-three years, I have seen how powerful and truly significant the arts and art education can be in a young person's academic, emotional, and overall growth. It is not a frivolous or superficial pursuit, but one that is a remarkable window into the student's inner world and a tangible gauge of their feeling" he said. Brian introduces his students to all art media and then allows them to focus on the media of their choice for their final project.

The second recipient is Patricia Doherty from Harrison Schmitt Elementary School who also received a $200 grant. She has been teaching for six years and is very thankful to receive the art grant as it will enable her students to explore symbolism through the use of new art materials like polymer clay. She says it will provide her with a way to help broaden the horizons open to her students.

"Art enriches lives and creates unique problem solvers. Corporate giants are now recognizing that individuals with creative talents are some of the most valuable employees to hire. In a world of increasing violence and turmoil, art can be a refuge for students, a means of expressing themselves, finding their inner voices and connecting with others. Yes, art makes you smart, but it also connects you to others and to the world around you. As such, we cannot place enough value on art education", Patricia said.

The Grant County Art Guild membership is open to all Grant County artists. They operate the Pinos Altos Gallery located in the historic Hearst Church in Pinos Altos. The gallery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May through October. Guild members also show their work at Vickie's Eatery and HMS. For more information go to www.gcag.org.