The Branson Arts Council is one of two recipients for the Branson – Hollister Rotary Club’s 2012 Flavor of the Ozarks grant.  Thanks to this annual event, $10,000 was awarded to the Branson Arts Council for the purpose of continuing and developing new children’s programming.

One of the program areas that these funds will directly impact is the Cultural Kaleidoscope Program.  This program brings the Irish Kaleidoscope for 3rd graders, Missouri History Program for 4th graders, and Russian Kaleidoscope for 5th graders. These programs provide education covering the art, music, traditions and culture of the artist’s countries and their people. The students see and experience the traditional dances, techniques of the rhythmic art forms, native instruments and a documentary video presentation. A general assembly for all students begins the program and then there are one hour workshops small group workshops where the students can meet and speak with the artists. With the Branson-Hollister Rotary Club funds these programs can be expanded into more area schools.

“The Board of the Branson Arts Council realizes the strain public school budgets are under and if we can help bring cultural and artistic experiences to students it’s a win - win for everyone,” said Lana Johnson, President of the Branson Arts Council Board of Directors.  “Thanks to the Branson-Hollister Rotary Club grant we are thrilled to expand our programs and be able to positively impact even more children in the community,” Johnson said.

Summer programs such as Hands on Clay, Children’s Theatre Workshop and Art Camp will all be expanded in summer 2013, allowing more area youth the opportunity to be influenced by getting up close and personal with art.

“It’s really amazing to see a child connect with art,” said Bonnie Herrmann, Executive Director of the Branson Arts Council.  “After a child participates in one of these art programs you can tell they feel like they have been part of something special,” Herrmann said. “We try to give each child special one-on-one attention; so they can really develop a true love of something artistic.”

About the Branson Arts Council:

The Branson Arts Council was founded in 1965 and is funded through grants from the City of Branson, Missouri Arts Council, and Branson-Hollister Rotary Club, membership, donors and various other fundraisers.  It is the mission of the Branson Arts Council: “To make available artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities, and to support, strengthen and enhance these opportunities for all citizens of our community.”

Currently, the Branson Arts Council offers such programs as:  Art Camp, Educational Youth Symphony, Hands on Clay, Children’s Theatre Workshop, Concerts at the Old Stone Church, Local Art Shows and various other programs.