The DuPage Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the Picture This Mini-Grants offered through the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation. Mini-grant applications are considered quarterly. The next grant cycles will close on June 30 and September 30, 2018. See guidelines and apply here.
This past grant cycle, diversity was the theme and projects focused on a variety of criterion including economic level, participant age (youth to seniors), ethnic background, and individuals with disabilities. After careful consideration, the following projects were selected:
Immigrant Solidarity DuPage, Wheaton, IL, DuPage Latino Youth Empowerment Through Art Project (DLYETAP)
Latino youth and teens will learn the essentials of drawing and cartooning under the guidance of artist Saul Galvez, whose style is representative of Latino culture. These students could be recruited for a mural project, where blank walls in DuPage County’s Latino neighborhoods are transformed into energetic, colorful, and didactic art reflecting Latino history and hope of a brighter future in the United States.
Lisle Park District, Lisle, IL, Senior Perspectives
Low-cost art classes will be offered to seniors to practice visual arts skills and projects. Finished works will be displayed in a temporary art exhibit, free to the public, at The Museums at Lisle Station Park (MLSP). This project is a partnership between the Lisle Park District’s Senior Center, MLSP, and Recreation Department.
People Made Visible, Inc. (PMV), West Chicago, IL, Artist-in-Residence Esperanza Gama
Esperanza Gama, the first female Mexican-American artist to participate in the artist-in-residency program, will conduct workshops with elementary and high school students. They will create art pieces in traditional Mexican heritage styles that reflect the empowerment of women. Completed works will be displayed at PMV’s Gallery 200 and showcased in an opening reception.
Ray Graham Association, Lisle, IL, Monarch Academy Art Delivery Project
Students at Ray Graham’s Monarch Academy, a center fostering the development of skills leading to employment and empowerment for young adults with disabilities, will create original holiday-themed cards, magnets, and bookmarks. These art pieces will be be delivered to DuPage County seniors through the Meals on Wheels program and will draw attention to an underrepresented group – young adults with developmental disabilities.
Village of Bensenville, Bensenville, IL, Faces of Bensenville: Portraits of a Community
This mixed media/multi-artist group project will bring focus to Bensenville’s diverse community. Residents of all ages, backgrounds, and professions will be invited to submit photos of themselves to be digitally manipulated and printed on 6"x6" metal tiles. The tiles will be assembled in mosaics displayed throughout the Village creating a source of pride and connection for all residents of Bensenville.
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Foundation (WDSRA), Carol Stream, IL, Visiting Artist Program for Adults with Mental Illness
This collaboration between WDSRA, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and the Naperville Park District, will encourage health and recovery through art therapy for chronic, mentally ill individuals. "Visiting Artists" will share their talents as they explore various mediums including acrylic paint, drawing, and watercolors. While learning an understanding of the arts, participants will experience personal fulfillment, self-expression, emotional growth, and empowerment.
About JCS Fund’s Picture This Mini-Grant: In an effort to enrich the creative landscape in DuPage County, the JCS Fund is offering an opportunity for painting and drawing related projects and programs from not-for-profit arts organizations and governmental agencies. Request up to $2,000 for locally-developed, high-quality, visual arts projects that reflect the art and strengths of our diverse yet unified community. The next grant cycles will close on June 30 and September 30, 2018. Apply here.
