Libby DeLuca (left to right), Mary Johnston and Amy Bash display the proclamation from Art Goes to School’s township chapter.
Art Goes to School is a Delaware Valley nonprofit whose volunteers bring art appreciation classes to public elementary schools throughout the region.
While the organization has been around for 66 years, it’s been an institution in township schools for decades. The chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary in Cherry Hill with a reception on Nov. 14 at the Arthur Lewis Administration Building.
Mayor Dave Fleisher presented a proclamation to Art Goes to School volunteers for sharing their love of the arts with students. The nonprofit’s grants administrator Amy Bash noted the mayor’s words of appreciation for the volunteers and the work that they do.
During its township history, the organization has educated hundreds of children every year.
“Besides celebrating 50 years, we’ve taught art appreciation to literally tens of thousands of children over 50 years,” Bash explained. “Sometimes kindergarten, first through sixth grade, at no cost to the resources of the school. We don’t impact their budget, it’s all free.
“We’re all volunteers and we’re a nonprofit organization.”
Superintendent Dr. Kwame Morton also attended the anniversary celebration with members of the Art Goes to School chapter and elementary-school art teachers and principals. Organization president Mary Johnston was also on hand.
A cake that read, “AGTS Cherry Hill Celebrating 50 Years,” was served to guests, and a toast to the group’s achievements and long legacy was made with sparkling cider.
“It’s been a really nice celebration,” Bash said. “Really, very nice … We’re just very grateful that superintendent Morton and Mayor Fleischer are so supportive of letting us continue to teach our appreciation to the elementary-school kids. We spend months preparing for our portfolios.”
Cherry Hill chapter chair Libby DeLuca and Bash presented special certificates recognizing Art Goes to School veterans who have been part of the organization for five, 10, 15, 20 and 40 years each. One member, Linda Markoff, has put in 40 years.
“We have a lot of pride, a lot of longevity, a lot of dedication for 50 years,” Bash pointed out. “This is amazing.”
