Village Art in the Park brings art classes to 500 Cascade students

LEAVENWORTH — This year, approximately 500 students in Cascade School District will receive a hands-on art education through the support of Village Art in the Park (VAP), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit.

The Leavenworth-based nonprofit recently contracted with art instructor Amber Zimmerman, enabling her to continue her work with Cascade School District. Zimmerman will serve students from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade, providing approximately six art classes per day between Peshastin-Dryden and Alpine Lakes Elementary Schools.

The partnership represents a significant expansion of VAP's decades-long relationship with the Cascade School District and the organization's most ambitious investment in art education to date.

"This is the biggest impact we've had in our history—in both the number of students we're reaching and in the number of hours of art instruction we're able to provide," said Callie Baker, Executive Director of Village Art in the Park.

“Art gives kids a way to explore, imagine, express themselves, and make sense of the world around them. It nurtures curiosity, builds creative confidence, and gives every child a chance to find their own voice. Bringing that experience to every TK–5 student in the district is exactly the kind of work we exist to do,” she added.

VAP has supported the students and teachers of the Cascade School District since the early 1980s, providing funding for art scholarships and supplies and instruction in the classrooms. This new instructor placement builds on that longstanding commitment, ensuring students across the district's elementary schools have regular, structured access to art education.

"Our students light up when they have the chance to create," said Superintendent Dr. Tracey Edou. "Having a dedicated art instructor in our elementary classrooms, made possible through VAP's support, is a tremendous gift to our kids and our community."

Zimmerman has taught in the District for the past six years. She has previously been supported through funding from Icicle Creek Center for the Arts and Methow Arts Alliance. Through her continued role within the District, she will provide art instruction to elementary students throughout the school year, with lessons designed to build creativity, artistic skills, and confidence.

Village Art in the Park has been able to sustain and expand arts education programs through community support. A portion of proceeds from artwork purchased at the annual art show in downtown Leavenworth, which runs from May through mid-October, supports these programs.