SpringHill Suites Donates Art Supplies to Inspire Orange Grove Elementary School Students
The Save Art! Program has raised nearly $100,000 for under-resourced schools nationwide.
Students show off their new art supplies from SpringHill Suites’ Save Art! program. Posing with the students are (l-r) Tarena Berry, Moises Rosa, Kristin Banks, Candice LeFevre, Devin Frank and Jessica Jensen.
[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]S[/dropcap]tudents at [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Orange Grove Elementary School have plenty to do to get creative. Representatives from SpringHill Suites by Marriott visited the campus recently. They delivered a “closet full” of art supplies. The donation is part of [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]SpringHill Suites’ Save Art! Program.
Fresh Artists and SpringHill Suites by Marriott have raised funds to support art education. This year, hundreds of SpringHill Suites’ general managers across the country took part. They have been delivering their hotel’s donations to area schools in the form of art supplies.
The arts promote young students’ self-esteem and confidence. Studies show the arts aid in both social and academic development. — Americans for the Arts
SpringHill Suites recognizes the importance of art education. The brand deepened its longstanding passion for the arts. In 2013, SpringHill Suites announced its national partnership with the nonprofit [icons icon_name=”icon-external-link” icon_size=”14px”]Fresh Artists. Both work to bring quality arts supplies and innovative art programs to teachers in need. The brand has since launched fundraising campaigns each year. Hotels encourage guests and community members to make donations.
Loren Nalewanski supports art education. She is vice president and global brand manager for SpringHill Suites.
“Fresh Artists’ commitment to art education inspires us,” said Nalewanski. “It’s an honor to partner with such a dynamic charity. Their values align with our passion for serving local communities through artistic development. We are proud to contribute to the youth art community in a meaningful and compelling way.“
This year, Fresh Artists took part in SpringHill Suites’ General Managers Bi-Annual Conference. More than 300 general managers worked together to create Chip Art Carts. These provide ready-made art activities that teachers can use with their students. The Paint Chip Art Carts contain supplies for a mosaic project. Fresh Artists upcycles “throw-away” paint chips. Supplies in the kit make this program easy for teachers. It comes with a lesson plan, a box of yellow chalk and chamois squares for sketching. There are also two copies of a book written by Fresh Artists. The story is about how children can make a difference in the world: They can help other children with their art.
SpringHill Suites’ Save Art! Program also celebrates and promotes local artists. It’s award-winning Art Night campaign started in 2010. It transforms SpringHill Suites’ lobbies into galleries. The brand provides local artists, students and schools opportunities to showcase their artwork.
“Paint chip art is fun,” said Allen. “Art education has proven to aid in both social and academic development. It is a thrill to partner with SpringHill Suites. We are both committed to art education in K-12 schools across country.“
Devin Frank from SpringHill Suites by Marriott Intercontinental Airport (15840 John F. Kennedy Blvd. • Houston, TX 77032) made the delivery at Orange Grove Elementary School. He is the general manager of the hotel. Kristin Banks, lead director of sales; Jessica Jensen, sales manager; and Moises Rosa, chief engineer, accompanied him. The group donated a Paint Chip Art Cart. The hotel also donated art supplies that included chalk, paint, brushes, markers, and crayons.
“We know that art plays an important role in a child’s development,” said Frank. “We are proud to provide a wonderful creative opportunity for students.”
Candice LeFevre thanks Tarena Berry for connecting the campus with the program. She is also grateful to SpringHill Suites for providing the Chip Art Cart and supplies. LeFevre is the art teacher at the campus. Berry is the school counselor.
“My students and I thank SpringHill Suites and Fresh Artists,” said LeFevre. “We appreciate the art supplies and resources. I also want to thank SpringHill Suites by Marriott for bolstering art education. Art has the capacity to motivate students. Art fuels creative thinking skills. Studies show that art increases our capacity to innovate as children and adults.“
In a show of gratitude, the students will create artwork to give to SpringHill Suites.
Thank you SpringHill Suites by Marriott!
About the Author: Leticia Fehling
