The Nelson B. Delavan Foundation has given a $5,000 grant to the St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy for equipment and supplies.
The Arts Academy continues to grow and its success has created the need for more financial support.
Normally, the group classes and private lessons take place at the Community Arts Academy on 149 Genesee St. in Geneva, but this year learning has been online because of the COVID-19 virus.
“At St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy, we believe that excellent Arts education that is available to all, regardless of income level, enhances the quality of life in our region,” said the Rev. James Adams, Head of School. “I am particularly grateful to the Delavan Foundation whose grant has enabled the Arts Academy to adapt to the conditions brought on by the pandemic and continue to safely provide instruction to all of our students. During these months when so many programs and opportunities were lost to children, the regular instruction for our students from our outstanding faculty has been more important than ever.”
An example of being creative during the Pandemic, cello students at the St. Peter’s Community Arts Academy take lessons outdoors.
Entrepreneur Nelson Delavan died in 1971, and in 1984 Delavan’s wife Elizabeth established a non-profit trust, The Nelson B. Delavan Foundation, in her late husband’s honor. The Delavans were Seneca County residents. This trust donates money in support of education, historical, cultural and arts-related endeavors.
The Arts Academy academic year starts in September and continues through the middle of June for a total of 36 weeks. Performances at several times throughout the year, except for this Pandemic year, also are an integral part of the program. Performances help students build confidence in their ability to practice, rehearse and perform in ways that recognize their potential as individuals. The Academy stresses that performances also help in the ongoing development of Geneva as a vibrant community that values the arts and education.
More than 300 students from 16 area schools in a five-county area are taking lessons and performing at the Arts Academy in choirs, piano, violin, cello, viola, organ, voice, dance and guitar for all ages with the dedicated core of instructors and staff, all of whom are professionals in their field. Embracing its theme of “Arts for All,” the Academy is open to everyone from infants to adults and is not affiliated religiously although St. Peter’s Church sponsors and supports the Academy. More information on classes and supporting the Arts Academy is available at www.stpetersarts.org.
The annual Friends of the Arts appeal is currently under way. Donations will ensure that music and dance lessons are made available to students of all ages and abilities. Donors may mail a check to the Arts Academy at 149 Genesee St., Geneva, or donate online here.
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