YOUNG ARTIST DESTINATION Increasing Access
Inspiring Growth of Young and Older Students
Joanne Grabinski (ICCA 12, 15-20, 22, 23) was already a prolific writer and published author when she first attended a writing retreat at Interlochen. As a professor of gerontology, she regularly published articles and research, and authored a popular book on the topic of career paths in the field. As she prepared to step away from her role at Eastern Michigan University, her search for a creative outlet led her to Interlochen. “It is an interesting challenge to transition from being an academic writer to a creative writer. Interlochen’s Writer’s Retreat gave me encouragement and support and a network of writers, some of whom have become very good friends,” Joanne said. Joanne had always valued growth—in others and herself. Her experiences in the writing program inspired her to share these opportunities with others and establish the Anne-Marie Oomen and Katey Schultz ICCA Creative Writing Scholarship to support adult learners at the Writers Retreat. Inspired to do even more at Interlochen, Joanne established a new scholarship for Academy students this year. The C. Joanne Grabinski Endowed Academy Scholarship in Creative Writing is a permanent investment to ensure that young writers have an opportunity to learn their craft. In addition to her endowment, Joanne is augmenting her scholarship with an annual gift to the current use fund associated with the scholarship endowment.
Interlochen is a home for the arts that provides the space, opportunities, and resources that enable students to strive and reach their potential. It is the students themselves, however, who bring the creative spark. Each student at Interlochen benefits from the talent and creativity of their peers. Our arts community thrives when we can seek out and find the most talented and motivated artists, regardless of their ability to pay the cost of an Interlochen experience. That’s a primary reason to raise the funds necessary to meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of every admitted student by 2028.
“I was amazed to see the opportunities that young writers have at the Arts Academy. It is a remarkable experience to have that kind of a support community and writing mentors at such a young age.”
Opening Opportunities for Rural Artists Artistic talent can come from anywhere. Aspiring artists from underserved rural areas can often face a unique set of obstacles, including fewer opportunities for advanced study, difficulty finding a peer group that shares their interests, and sometimes, the inability to afford an Interlochen Arts Camp experience. With the generous support of The Hearst Foundations, Interlochen has established a three-year program to seek out and provide targeted financial aid to young artists in rural communities across the United States. In the program’s first year, 18 students from eight different states received scholarship support totaling $50,000. They came from communities such as: Ponderay, Idaho (population 1,137); Winchester, Kansas (population 551); Electra, Texas (population 2,791); Weathersfield, Texas (population 2,842); and Hessel/Clark Township, Michigan (population 2,256).
– Joanne Grabinski (ICCA 12, 15-20, 22, 23)
“I have really enjoyed Camp. The teachers, peers, and community have given me so much more inspiration to pursue the violin as a career. This has been a very long and intense experience, but in the end improvements in me as a person and artist have been made. Camp holds a special place in my heart. I will cherish every single moment and take the lessons learned and use them in my future, from everyday living to being a musician.”
– Hadassah, High School, Violin
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2023 ANNUAL REPORT
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