PENDLETON, Ore. — Crow’s Shadow, an art institute on the Umatilla Indian Reservation, received a $3,000 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning for its art instruction with Tribal youth and professional Native American artists. The PacifiCorp Foundation is the charitable arm of Pacific Power.

Crow’s Shadow provides arts instruction to about 60 Native American high school students attending Nixyaawii Community School. Specifically, the grant will help add silk screen printing capabilities to the institute’s offerings.

“This program makes art available for all community artists,” said Patrice Hall Walters, institute president. “However, for Indian youth in particular, it offers an avenue to reconnect with their cultural heritage by learning traditional Native art designs and by being mentored by skilled master Native artists and Master Printer Frank Janzen, CSIA staff. The Silk Screen studio will give our students another alternative to express themselves artistically and we are very excited about the possibilities.”

 “When community budgets become tighter, cultural and arts programs often suffer,” said Bill Clemens, regional community manager for Pacific Power. “We believe the arts are an important, integral part of a healthy community and a well-rounded education; so we think it’s a smart investment.”

The PacifiCorp Foundation awarded close to $205,800 to arts and cultural nonprofit programs in its service area, and donated another $13,000 in small community grants.

Clemens said that, according to research, less than 21 percent of Oregon children engage in any art form due to diminished school budgets and class offerings. The Foundation’s arts and culture grants are one of four groups of awards each year. Other award categories include education, civic and community groups, and health and human services.

The Foundation’s mission is to foster strategic sustainable learning initiatives that serve the best aspirations of individuals, organizations and communities, and that enhance and develop their capabilities to address significant challenges and opportunities.

To apply for a grant, and to review specific eligibility requirements, please go to www.pacificorpfoundation.org .

Media inquiries:  newsdesk@pacificorp.com