Achievements of 2023
ART SCHOLARS CAMP Art Scholars (programming for elementary school children who qualify for Title I support) expanded beyond teacher-workdays to a full week of summer camp for 50 kids. Along with the normal activities of our summer camps, students from Cedar Grove Elementary were treated to a “Jazz Appreciation” workshop hosted by well-known artists Karla Harris and Joe Alterman. ART SCHOLARS & JAZZ ON THE LAWN UNITE Three students from Cedar Grove Elementary took the stage at the Callanwolde Amphitheater with Karla Harris, performing “This Little Light of Mine,” to the delight of the Jazz on the Lawn audience. This experience will have a lasting impact on these eight and nine-year-olds’ lives. HOLIDAY BOARD GALA BREAKS NEW FUNDING RECORD After breaking all fundraising records in 2022, funds raised at our 2023 Holiday Board Gala exceeded $200,000 net. Cedar Grove Elementary Principal Norman Thomas thanked Callanwolde and described the incredible positive impact summer camp had on his students. DeKalb Commissioners Steve Bradshaw, Michelle Long Spears, and Ted Terry each pledged $5,000 to support Callanwolde’s work with underserved communities in DeKalb County. Finally, DeKalb County CEO, Michael Thurmond, surprised everyone with a $50,000 pledge. CREATIVE CAMP FULLY ENROLLED Once again, Callanwolde’s Creative Camp enjoyed full enrollment and waiting lists for all seven weeks. The camp has built a reputation for high-quality arts education for children six through 12. “Little Musicals” was a particularly memorable week as each classroom of students performed along with classic Beatles’ songs. Each week culminated with a student art show enjoyed by campers’ friends and families.
HOWARD FINSTER EXHIBITION Longtime Callanwolde pottery instructor, Jennie Ashcraft Berman, and founding Pottery Director, Rick Berman, loaned their private collection of work by Howard Finster for an exhibition entitled “A Feeling Came Over Me”. Howard’s first “work of art” along with many unique found objects were on display. Having built a close relationship with Mr. Finster as his art dealer, Rick Berman treated guests with fascinating stories of his days at Paradise Gardens. POTTERY WORKSHOPS INTRODUCED Demand for pottery classes continues to outpace availability. With over 200 people on waiting lists for regular classes, our Pottery department introduced one-day workshops to allow greater access to popular activities like throwing on the wheel and Raku. NEW SIGN Thanks in part to Tina Vercelote, owner of PIETRA Luxury in Stone, Callanwolde now has a beautiful new sign on Briarcliff Road. The sign features backlit cast- aluminum lettering mounted on two large quartzite slabs.
2023 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 05
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