Shenandoah Community Foundation recently awarded over $36,000 in grants from its Bowman-Shannon Cultural Arts Fund to local nonprofit organizations. The 2023 grant recipients that received funding from the Foundation include: Shenandoah County Public Schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and Retreat Center, Edinburg Ole Time Festival, Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir, Seniors First, VECCA, and Windsong Community Chorus.
The grant funding this year represents support for a wide range of cultural arts. These include art supplies, instruction, and activities for both children and seniors; and musical performances throughout the County.
Dr. Quincy Hilliard, visiting composer, with NFMS Band 2023
Among the grants awarded was funding to North Fork Middle School that enabled more than 120 students and teachers to be instructed and inspired by internationally renowned composer and conductor, Dr. Quincy Hilliard. Additional support was given to create a sculpture that honors workers at Caroline Furnace; and to VECCA for ArtFest, a free event for the public to be held June 24 in Woodstock. A grant for choral risers was awarded to Windsong Community Chorus to use at performances this year at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, veterans’ centers, and homeless shelters. Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir received funding to help with expenses for five County students who will perform with the Choir at an International Choral Symposium and at Carnegie Hall this summer.
The Bowman-Shannon Cultural Arts Fund was established to educate, guide and stimulate the enjoyment of and participation in cultural arts in Shenandoah County, Virginia.