Lady’s Island Elementary continues arts initiative

Lady’s Island Elementary School is finishing its second year as an ABC (Arts in Basic Curriculum) site. The ABC Project is a statewide collaborative initiative that strives to provide leadership to achieve quality, comprehensive arts education (in dance, music, theatre, visual arts and creative writing) for all students in South Carolina. It is cooperatively directed by the South Carolina Arts Commission, the South Carolina Department of Education, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Winthrop University.
This honor came with a grant award of $4,500 this year. The grant money was used to bring in artists in residence and to provide the resources for their “school beautification project.” Artist-in-residence Elise Witt was brought in to write a new school song with the help of the fourth grade students. In-house artist Nela Beyer was commissioned to create murals for the school, so that all who enter will immediately know that Lady’s Island Elementary is an artistic school. Native American storyteller and musician Hawk Hurst was also brought in to share his talents with the Kindergarten through second graders.
Lady’s Island Elementary is one of only 43 ABC sites in South Carolina. To qualify for this distinction, the school must have completed a five year strategic arts education plan and demonstrate a strong commitment to the arts. Lady’s Island Elementary is excited about remaining an ABC site as they continue to strive for excellence in academics and the arts.