The Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History recently received a $2,000 grant from the Cattaraugus County Arts Council (CCAC) to help with costs for our three summer exhibitions, which we collectively called Natural Connections. The photo is of RTPI’s Development Associate Linda Pierce and Communications & Public Programs Coordinator Jane Johnson with Senator Cathy Young and our award certificate. Through the grant we were able to plan for some great workshops featuring local artists featured, plus design and print a brochure providing information on the exhibits and associated public programs. Natural Connections will provide an opportunity for learners of all ages to develop a heightened sensitivity to the natural world of the Chautauqua region. The project will increase the community awareness of RTPI’s mission, to get people out into the field and to explore nature through authentic first hand experiences that combine the natural sciences and the visual arts. The exhibits and workshops associated with Natural Connections will expand community awareness for RTPI and the participating artists, and will increase the number of community members visiting RTPI or attending an art exhibit, many for the first time. The grant was part of CCAC’s Community Arts Grants, competitive arts grants that provide financial assistance for community-based arts and culture program by eligible non-profit organizations or sponsored artists in Allegany, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua Counties. The program exists to support professional fees for artists, marketing costs, and technical production services. CA support enables emerging artists and organizations to grow professionally and to enhance the cultural vibrancy in communities and neighborhoods where they live and operate, and we thank them for assisting RTPI and Jamestown!
