We are excited to announce that we have been awarded a $100,000 grant from the E.E. Ford Foundation to fund the construction of new arts spaces in our Upper Division! The new spaces will feature four studios for performing, traditional, and media arts along with the rehabilitation and upgrade of our theater and stage. The spaces will be created through the transformation of an underutilized part of the school. This grant funded project is the catalyst that will allow us to achieve our larger goal of re-envisioning all the spaces where students explore the arts from N – 12.
Unlocking the Grant
The grant is a 1:1.5 matching challenge and the funds will come to us only after we successfully identify $150,000 in matching gifts. The timeline is tight as we must raise the matching $150,000 by Spring 2023. These funds will unlock the potential for innovative programs in the Arts by providing our students with the sophisticated tools and programs that inspire creativity and self-expression. These new spaces will transform the experience for advanced artists while also opening doors for those with budding creative interests.
Judy Clarke Turner ’58 and her husband Bill have already generously agreed to kick off this campaign with a lead gift of $50,000!
Judy says, “I have always remained committed to Garden because the school provided a strong foundation that positioned me to do well in life”. When asked why the Turner family felt moved to support the Arts, they said, “The Arts open your mind if you let them and allow you to appreciate life in different ways. When we heard about the prospective art spaces at Garden, it seemed to us that supporting this project would allow students to experience all the arts so they may see the world through new perspectives.”
Support the Garden Fund for the Arts
Join us in the effort to unlock the creativity of Griffins for generations to come. Support the fund with a direct contribution or pledge so we may open in the Fall of 2023, our 100th year, with brand-new spaces, programs, and tools in place for our talented students.
Giving Levels:
$25,000+: Creativity Circle (includes Naming Opportunity)
$10,000+: Mosaic & Mural Level
$7,500+: Portfolio & Pallet Level
$5,000+: Studio & Strings Level
$2,500+: Mic & Amp Level
$1,000+: Easel & Brush Level
$500+: Stage & Curtain Level
$500 and under: Friend of the Arts
About the E.E. Ford Foundation
The Edward E. Ford Foundation is dedicated to improving secondary education by supporting U.S. independent schools. Since its founding in 1957, it has awarded more than $125 million to over 900 schools. The Foundation only considers applications from 20 schools per year and it was an honor just to be included in that group. The selection process for school consideration is rigorous and to actually be awarded further reinforces that Garden is on a positive trajectory and the momentum is being recognized by a Foundation whose whole existence is to evaluate the excellence of independent schools.
Thank You to our Donors
Creativity Circle ($25,000+)
Judy Clarke Turner ’58 & Bill Turner
Mosaic & Mural Level ($10,000+)
Portfolio & Pallet Level ($7,500+)
Studio & Strings Level ($5,000+)
Mic & Amp Level ($2,500+)
Easel & Brush Level ($1,000+)
Anonymous
Matthew Helsing ’17
Stage & Curtain Level ($500+)
Friend of the Arts ($500 and under)
Anonymous
Anonymous
Harry & Mark Cooperman and Brenda Levinson
The Hale Family
Marlene Schultz – In Memory of Betty & Fred Schultz
Paula James
Edwin O’Keefe Westley – In Memory of Janet M. Kelley, an Extraordinary H/S Teacher
