We are pleased to announce that we are being considered for an Arts and Education Grant, sponsored by the Arts Council of NJ, Arts Horizons and Young Audiences New Jersey.
This grant would partially fund the creation of a permanent environmental mosaic mural to enhance our outdoor classroom area.
The mission of the Artists in Education (AIE) consortium is to establish partnerships between professional artists, educators and students to create long-term art at facilities — making possible students’ in depth explorations of art processes and forms. 
The AIE Residency grant focuses on direct learning of all students involved and would help augment Byrd School’s art program by providing sustained, long term, interdisciplinary arts process to students who otherwise cannot obtain such experiences in the time allowed in our regular schedule.
This mural would be constructed with the assistance of a professional artist over the course of the 2012-13 school year. All students, as well as the staff and faculty of Byrd School, would be involved in the creation of the mural. Ceramic mosaic tiles would be bisque and glaze-fired. Design and planning of the mural would be guided by the artist assigned to Byrd. It would be a unique and creative endeavor for our school community and learners, similar to Central School’s sculpture garden, which was constructed with an AIE grant.
The grant, however, only funds 50% of the mural project. To bring this unique opportunity to our school, we need to raise an additional $4,000 in private donations from Byrd families, staff and friends of Byrd School, since our existing HSA funds will not cover the cost.
Please consider a family donation of any amount (tax deductible), as this project will enhance our school and our children’s education.
Thank you,