ARTS IN EDUCATION

AMOUNT

Up to $500

FOR

Schools

OPENS

August 1, 2025

CLOSES

Ongoing

The Penny Wollan-Kriel Arts in Education Grant funds visual, literary, and performing arts experiences in K-12 public and private schools throughout Sangamon and Menard counties. The program brings professional artists directly into classrooms, providing creative enrichment that may otherwise be unavailable to students.

This program is named after retired Springfield Area Arts Council Executive Director, Penny Wollan-Kriel, whose long-time service is honored through the impact this grant makes with students, artists, and educators through Sangamon and Menard counties.

Donations to fund this important program are welcome and encouraged.

APPLICATION TOOLS

Applications for Academic Year 2025 – 2026 are open. Funding is limited and awarded on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged.

Download the Arts in Education Application and email the completed document to Sheila Walk, Arts Education Coordinator.

APPLICATION FORM
Submit Your Application

CURRENT RECIPIENTS AND PROJECTS

2025 – 2026

School

Enos Elementary

Early Learning Center

Washington Middle School

Dubois Elementary

Saint Patrick’s Elementary

New Berlin High School

PORTA Central

Genre

Poetry, Visual Arts

Music

Dance

Music

Music

Visual Art

Visual Art

Artist

Shatriya Smith, John Crisp

Jim Gill

B. Funk

Tater Tots Rock

Randy Erwin

PAST RECIPIENTS AND PROJECTS

2024 – 2025

School

Black Hawk Elementary School

Enos Elementary School

Farmingdale Elementary School

Iles Middle School

Lanphier High School

Lutheran High School

New Berlin High School

Our Savior’s Elementary School

PORTA Central Elementary School

Riverton Elementary School

Genre

Music

Poet, Artist

Music

Literature

Dance

Music

Art

Music

Art

Literature

Artist

Molly Schunicht, James Armstrong

Michael Albert

Tater Tots Rock

Brian Ellis

Julio Barrenzuela

Molly Schunicht

Jeff Williams

Jennie Williamson

Mary Kate Smith

Patrick Ryan

2023-2024

School

Lanphier High

Enos Elementary

Cantrall Elementary

Riverton Middle

Iles Middle

Matheny-Withrow Elementary

Riverton Elementary

Tri-City Schools

Franklin Middle

Hazel Dell Elementary

Ball Charter School

Genre

Dance

Poetry

Children’s Literature

Children’s Literature

Storytelling

Theater

Storytelling

Visual Arts

3D Printing

Poetry, Visual Arts

Visual Arts

Artist

Julio Barrenzuela

Shatriya Smith

David Biedrzycki

Jordan Sonneblick

Brian Ellis

Bright Star Theater

Patrick Ryan

Jeff Williams

J. McClure, C. Vannier

Shatriya Smith, John Crisp

Supply Purchase

Riverton Middle School students discuss story-writing with author Jordan Sonneblick.
As part of Iles Middle School’s celebration of Chinese New Year, Brian Ellis tells Chinese folk tales.
As part of Iles Middle School’s celebration of Chinese New Year, Brian Ellis tells Chinese folk tales.
2021 – 2022

School

Tri-City Junior High

Cantrall Intermediate

Laketown Elementary               

Ball Charter Elementary

Springfield High

Enos Elementary 

Purpose

Admission to art exhibit

Die cuts

Black history play

Vocal coaching

Choreography session

Assembly – Magician

Enos Elementary School asked Richard Landry to use magic to emphasize the skill of sharing.
Enos Elementary School asked Richard Landry to use magic to emphasize the skill of sharing.
2020 – 2021

School

Cantrall Elementary

Cantrall Intermediate

Tri-city Elementary

Sangamon Valley Intermediate

New Berlin Elementary

Sangamon Valley Primary

Early Learning Center

Supplies purchased and purpose

Desk easels, Mirrors for self-portraits

Pro machine for creating art pieces

Storage containers for art supplies

Ukuleles for music lessons

Clay for small sculptures

Tambourines, Rhythm sticks for music lessons

Virtual performance by singer-songwriter

2019 – 2020

School

Saint Agnes

Early Learning

Enos Elementary

Cantrall Elementary

Cantrall Intermediate

Riverton Elementary

Saint Aloysius

Saint Joseph

Black Hawk Elementary

Black Hawk Elementary

Artist

Menard County Singers

Rachel Rambach

Richard Landry

Patrick Ryan

Eugene Clark

Patrick Ryan

Switchback

Switchback

Tater Tots

John T. Crisp, Jr.

Saint Aloysius School invited Switchback to illustrate music genres.
Saint Aloysius School invited Switchback to illustrate music genres.
2017 – 2018

Students served: 2,425

Teachers involved: 184

Participating Artists: 18

Cantrall Elementary School hosted muralist Troy Freeman
Cantrall Elementary School hosted muralist Troy Freeman
Black Hawk Elementary School learned African Drums and Dance
Black Hawk Elementary School learned African Drums and Dance

HIGHLIGHTS

At Enos Elementary School, Magician Richard Landry presented an anti-bullying message to an all-school student assembly.  The kids were captivated by the magic and by Snowball, the rabbit.
At Enos Elementary School, Magician Richard Landry presented an anti-bullying message to an all-school student assembly.  The kids were captivated by the magic and by Snowball, the rabbit.
At Grant Middle School's "Rhythm and Poetry Night," percussionist Mark McKnight offered entertainment.  Students participated in the evening activities.
At Grant Middle School’s “Rhythm and Poetry Night,” percussionist Mark McKnight offered entertainment.  Students participated in the evening activities.
At Lutheran High School, local Singer/songwriter Ben Bedford presented "History and Crafting of a Song."
At Lutheran High School, local Singer/songwriter Ben Bedford presented “History and Crafting of a Song.”
Montessori Children's House hosted the Windy City Players, who performed "The Emperor's New Clothes."
Montessori Children’s House hosted the Windy City Players, who performed “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”
Riverton Elementary School hosted Storyteller Patrick Ryan--a popular favorite.
Riverton Elementary School hosted Storyteller Patrick Ryan–a popular favorite.

This program is made possible by funding from the Susan Cookhouse Educational Trust.