FCPL receives arts grant for makerspace

The Fulton County Public Library is one of 36 libraries across the state to receive training and grant funding through Lifelong Arts Indiana, a program that promotes arts and creativity services for adults ages 65 and older.

The library will receive $5,000 to host programming for older adults, supported by the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) in partnership with the Family and Social Services Administration. 

This grant will expand current programming by allowing the library to purchase clay, glazes, tools and two pottery wheels. The project is called “Playing with Clay” and will introduce the basic two intermediate techniques and forming methods of hand building and wheel throwing ceramics to older adult patrons at the library.  

Two artists will offer instruction. Kathy Zentz will instruct in hand building, and Lori Cress, who will instruct in throwing on the wheel. 

“We are very grateful that the IAC is so invested in bringing arts programs to communities,” Library Makerspace Coordinator Erica Coffing said. “We can now offer different media and free classes through these upcoming projects and in the future.” 

Participating libraries were identified through a partnership with the Indiana State Library and were offered an opportunity to attend a training on creative aging best practices and apply for an early action grant to deploy their learnings in their own communities. Funded programming will take place between June 1 and Dec. 13. 

The full list of libraries receiving funding, and the projects they will support is available at: https://www.in.gov/arts/files/IAC-Lifelong-Arts-Early-Action-Libraries.pdf. 

–FCPL report