(Chelsea Update would like to thank D and B Strategic Marketing for the information and photos in this story.)
This spring, Chelsea Area Festivals and Events (CAFE) announced the CAFE Grants for the Arts to continue its mission to enrich Chelsea and the surrounding communities, by promoting the presentation of and participation in quality performing and visual arts.
The CAFE Grants for the Arts are one-time, unrestricted grants of $1,000 each to five artists to help continue the artistic and creative efforts that make performing and visual arts such a vital part of our community.
The applicants who applied represented an abundance of talent and showcased the many art forms that make up CAFE’s annual Sounds & Sights events: music, performance art, chalk art, sculptures, and artisans.
“Though the selection process was difficult, the winning projects are reflections of CAFE’s mission. The arts inspire, enrich and expand our lives. We all need to support and encourage our local artists,” said CAFE Board Member Gary Munce.
Grant recipients are:
Matthew Ball, The Boogie Woogie Kid
Matthew Ball is a music performer/songwriter, a community teacher, and a virtual content creator. Matthew plans to use the grant to further collaborative ventures and expand his virtual performing and teaching programs.
Ballet Chelsea
Ballet Chelsea will utilize the grant to help cover the costs of an outdoor venue and equipment. This will enable dancers to work safely outside on various performance pieces, which will be recorded and edited for release to the community through online streaming. Ballet Chelsea is a non-profit 501(c)3 whose mission is to provide high-caliber training and performance excellence while giving back to the audience through arts education and community outreach.
Kyle Burnett, Kyle Burnett Art
Kyle Burnett plans to use the grant to purchase sheet metal forming equipment, enabling him to evolve his sculpting style. Kyle’s primary medium is scrap metal, and spectators can see his work “Elk Bugling” currently on display behind the Chelsea District Library as part of SculptureWalk Chelsea.
Michael Harrington, Fun on the Frets
The grant will enable Fun on the Frets to complete their ten-song recording of Guitar Duets of Acoustic Jazz Guitar. The recorded repertoire would then allow the group to create an Electronic Press Kit to further promote “Fun On The Frets” to a broader audience.
Chris Monaghan
Chris Monaghan is a chalk artist who plans to use the grant to purchase additional art supplies and cover costs associated with the development of a street chalk art educational program offered in person or virtually to local libraries, festivals, and schools.
About Chelsea Area Festivals and Events:
Chelsea Area Festivals and Events is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that hosts “SculptureWalk Chelsea,” “Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights,” “Sounds and Sights Festival,” and “Hometown Holidays.” The mission of the organization is to enrich Chelsea, and the surrounding communities, by promoting the presentation of and participation in quality performing and visual arts throughout the year.
“We are fortunate to have a generous network of Sponsors who continue to support the Arts in our community,” said Munce. “And we thank them for standing with us this past season, and look forward to the future incredible performing and visual arts that these grants will enable.”
For more information about Chelsea Area Festival and Events visit www.chelseafestivals.com.
Congratulations to our local, talented artists. May you continue to create beautiful things to the benefit of us all!!!