Redlands Ca., November 6- The Redlands Festival of Arts awarded the AAA Academy and Redlands Education Partnership a grant that will fund tuition costs for students enrolled in the educational art programs through the Redlands Unified School District. Funding from the grant award will also provide art supplies for the duration the AAA Academy art program.
President Jerry Bean, Chairwoman Sherry Harry and Secretary Lynn Whitmer presented  AAA Academy Director Sherry Edwards and Redlands Education Partnership Foundation President Mallory Mudge with a check for $1,600 during a dedication ceremony at the Redlands Unified School District.

The AAA Academy offers tuition-based summer school for high school students and after school programs at five elementary schools and three middle schools in the Redlands Unified School District. The not-for-profit Redlands Education Partnership Foundation houses the AAA Academy with the purpose to stimulate art education in schools while fostering an atmosphere of creativity and respect of the arts.

AAA Academy Director Sherry Harry accepted the grant award mentioning the importance of the educational art program. “Art opens up the imagination of students, helping to increase their learning capacity with new ideas, thoughts, and expression,” said Harry.

Redlands Education Partnership Foundation President Mallory Mudge added, “Our programs are gaining more support from local organizations. Our not-for-profit organization [Redlands Education Partnership Foundation] is becoming more known in the community.”

The Redlands Festival of Arts held its second annual art festivities in May 2014. During the 2014 arts festival $6,000 in prizes where awarded to a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. The festival includes a line up of juried art shows, live performing arts and local artists’ presentations.

The Annual Redlands Festival of Arts  has also featured a Kid’s Zone with art activities, an exhibit of historical art, free admission to the Lincoln Shrine and a Wine and Beer Garden/ Food Truck Midway. Each year the festival is held or an entire weekend in May before the Memorial Day holiday at Smiley Park in Redlands.