For more information contact:
Plum Creek: Kris Naidl (414) 276-6237
VSA arts of Wisconsin, Inc.: Kathy Paul (608) 241-2131
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, Wis. – The Plum Creek Foundation recently awarded $2,000 to VSA arts of Wisconsin to help fund artist residency programs in Wisconsin Rapids and VSA choirs in Wisconsin Rapids and Eau Claire.
VSA arts of Wisconsin conducts educational arts programs that serve children and adults with disabilities. According to Kathie Wagner, president of the organization, VSA programs fill a void for many individuals with disabilities who seek structured activities to complement their home and work life. The VSA Choir of Wisconsin Rapids and the VSA Choir of Eau Claire rehearse weekly and give public performances in their respective communities. The Early Childhood-Healthy Foundations artist residency program uses the arts to promote school readiness in children with disabilities ages 2-6 in early learning settings. This year, VSA conducted two nationally-recognized Early Childhood – Healthy Foundations artist residencies and a residency for all students at Grove Elementary School in Wisconsin Rapids.
“By engaging in the arts, people with disabilities are able to contribute to our workplaces and communities, help extinguish stereotypes regarding disability and create a culture truly representative of all people,” said Wagner. “We appreciate the Plum Creek Foundation’s support of these important programs.”
VSA arts of Wisconsin was established in 1985 to expand the capabilities, confidence and quality of life for children and adults with disabilities by providing programs in dance, drama, creative writing, music and visual art.
The mission of the Plum Creek Foundation is to provide philanthropic contributions to support and improve the general welfare of life in the communities that Plum Creek serves. The Foundation board meets quarterly to review applications submitted from organizations in the company’s operating communities. Visit the Community Involvement page on Plum Creek’s Web site at http://www.plumcreek.com to download an application.
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Plum Creek is the largest and most geographically diverse private landowner in the nation with approximately 7 million acres of timberlands in major timber producing regions of the United States and wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest. For more information, visit http://www.plumcreek.com/wisconsin.
