Because Art Matters...

Because Art Matters...

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council (WWAC), Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization whose mission is to provide regional cultural and educational enrichment opportunities that encourage, support and promote the performing and visual arts. Our primary goal is to establish and support meaningful programs in the performing and visual arts to create a strong and vital arts presence in Montgomery County and the neighboring region. We believe the arts can open the doors of our minds, strengthen character, heal the body and foster an appreciation of other cultures. We sustain and fulfill our mission through: Community and Education Outreach Programs, offered year-round that enhance the emotional, academic, physical and cultural well-being of our community by using the power of visual and performing arts. We mentor youth, work with seniors, serve those with special needs and circumstances, and forge partnerships. The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, ranked among the top three juried fine arts festivals nationwide. The annual Festival features over 200 international, national and regional artists, regional music, performing and culinary arts on five stages, and hands-on art activities for all ages.

We Mentor Youth Healing and empowering to inspire personal and academic growth Impacting over 17,000 At-Risk Students in Title-1 Schools Positive Messaging Programs Cultural Experiences TEKS Based Curriculum Programs Children taking part in a drum circle School Art Supply Stipends We have impacted over 17,000 at-risk students in Title-1 Schools in the Conroe and Magnolia Independent School Districts by providing: In-school positive messaging programs using performing and visual arts to target key issues such as anti-bullying, drug abuse prevention, teamwork and self-esteem. We have partnered with Dionysus Theatre, musical program AndyRooniverse, percussionist Dan Egger-Belandria, wildlife artist Vickie McMillan, to name a few. Cultural opportunities for students to experience such as museum visits and symphony concerts. We have provided in-school programs including performances by the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Ballet and art projects with an emphasis on cultural art from Around the World, administered by The Woodlands Children s Museum. TEKS Based Curriculum Programs using interactive performances to focus on geography, history and multiculturalism. Percussionist Dan Egger-Belandria takes students on a drumming journey from Africa to the Americas that explore rhythms and folklore, providing the experience in both English and Spanish. Interactive collaborative murals by artist Vickie McMillan integrate TEKS curriculum while demonstrating technique, creative learning, life skills and confidence building. Art Supply Stipends for schools. We partner with Conroe, Magnolia, Tomball, and The Woodlands schools in the following ways: Supporting Teachers in the Visual and Performing Arts by sponsoring continuing education opportunities for educators offered by various professional art programs, recognizing excellence in arts education through the Dr. David Gottlieb Outstanding Teacher Awards, and highlighting exceptional contributions. Promoting Student Arts Appreciation through Summer Art Enrichment Camps and support for High School Art Trusts.

We Serve Those with Special Needs & Circumstances Promoting inclusion, inspiring confidence and driving acceptance We provide performing and visual arts workshops and projects that include adaptive participation options for those requiring physical accommodation. We also serve those with special circumstances such as survivors of sexual or domestic abuse. Groups we have had the honor of serving have included: Freedom Place A residential home for girls ages 9-17 years, who are victims of sex trafficking CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County Court-appointed special advocates for children We Care Treatment Center A residential home for girls, ages 5-17 years, who have emotional and behavioral disorders Montgomery County Juvenile Justice Center A center to assist in developing pro-social changes in juvenile behavior Garden sculpture created by residents of Windvale Pines Montgomery County Women s Center A safe shelter for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse Montgomery County Youth Services An organization that provides safe shelter for homeless youth who are 10-17 years old Emergency Ministries An organization that provides a variety of services to first responders Interfaith of The Woodlands A social service agency that provides numerous programs and services Children s Safe Harbor A children's advocacy center for children, ages 2-17 years

We Forge Partnerships Working with the community to enhance and develop art and culture Collaborating with local artists, organizations and institutions, our outreach programs help enrich the cultural fabric of our community. Our efforts include: Master Artists Workshops Promote and develop artists in the community who can offer different processes and methods for in-school and community outreach programs. The Woodlands Mall Highlights our projects in the Because Art Matters Spotlight on the Arts Gallery, located on the 2nd floor, and provides a venue for student art competitions and learning opportunities. The Houston Symphony @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Brought The Art of Baseball, a children s mural collaboration during a live performance, to life in a new way. Montgomery County Food Bank installation project Produced a community hands-on awareness art project during The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival entitled Yes, We Have Bananas to reflect the Food Bank s expansion and ability to now provide fresh produce to the community. The Music of Baseball mural painted by students and Little League players at a live performance of the Houston Symphony at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion The Woodlands Township Collaborations Create and administer programs that enhance the Township and benefit residents, including The Woodlands Waterway Art Bench Project and Founder s Day Student Art Competition.

We Work with Seniors Engaging and connecting to improve mental, physical and emotional health We partner with senior citizen s facilities including Brookdale, The Forum, Terrace, Harvestwood and others that benefit our local super-adults, as well as their caretakers. Seniors who participate in art programs often take less medication, have fewer medical visits and interact more positively with caregivers and others. Programs include: Collaborative mural projects encourage creative thinking and focus. Therapeutic drumming and other arts promote physical movement. Performances provided by local youth help provide socialization and engagement. Seniors taking part in an active drumming session to work on memory, motor and creative skills

We Enhance our Community Making our community better through the performing and visual arts The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is an award-winning multiday celebration of the arts. The Festival has attracted 18,000 art patrons, tourists and artists from across the nation and is considered one of the premier attractions of The Woodlands, TX. The Festival is known for both the quality of its arts, and for its scenic ambience along The Woodlands Waterway and Town Green Park. The annual festival features: Over 200 juried international, national and regional fine artists and fine craftsmen Regional music and performing arts on four stages Hands-on art activities for children and adults in Artopoly-Because Art Matters Scholarships for student artists Culinary arts demonstrations and tastings Art projects and installations that benefit community nonprofits East end of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival is ranked #1 fine arts festival in Texas and #3 in the country, based on artist sales.

We Give Back Develop partnerships to enhance and encourage a thriving arts community Community Dividends Proceeds from the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival allow us to give back to the community. Student Art Scholarships recognize exemplary emerging visual artists and to provide an opportunity for students to display their work to the public. Since our inception, the program has been paramount in emphasizing the importance of the arts in education. Student Scholarships $175,000 Charity Partners $194,000 2014 art scholarship winners Educator Awards $23,000 Community Support $44,000 Charity Partners and other nonprofits are an important part of the Festival and our community. These groups provide volunteer support that is integral to a safe and well-structured Festival. Our dedicated Partners enhance the overall experience and coordinate art, music, cafés and family activities. Our partners include: The Woodlands Children s Museum The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Partners The Woodlands Art League The Conroe Art League The Ann Marie Hopkins Art Alliance CASA The Humane Society of Montgomery County Since 2005, The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council has given over $500,000 in support and scholarships to organizations, students, and teachers in the community.

We Impact the Economy Celebrating a regional award winning event of arts and culture Economic Impact Income Impact of art sales ($4,530,533) Spent in restaurants & shops ($2,173,233 ) Impact of WWAF spending ($1,379,326 ) Hotel economic impact ($270,322 ) >$200K (19%) $100-$199K (34%) <$49K (24%) $50-$99K (23%) Festival artist, ceramist Cathra-Anne Barker. Zip Codes The Woodlands ( 47%) Greater Houston ( 29%) Montgomery County (15%) 20-35 (17%) 36-50 (24%) (10%) Children 51+ (49%) Age Range Print ($475,000) Media Television Radio ($367,000) Other Texas Cities ( 6%) Out-of-state/country ( 3%) Billboards/Specialty Advertising ($34,000)

Aerial arts student from The John Cooper School performing at the 2014 Arts Festival The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council Board of Directors P.O. Box 8184, The Woodlands, Texas 77387 www.woodlandswaterwayartscouncil.org Tax ID # 20-2239984 Board of Directors Amy Lecocq, President Deb Spiess, Vice-President Susan Vreeland-Wendt, Secretary Mike Bass, Treasurer Richard Burket Bev Earl John Feuerstein Elissa Fletcher Cindy Hardin Sonya Hillman Kimberly Lacayo Jerry MacDonald Joe Michels Cindy Moss Theresa Nassif Ann Snyder Nick Wolda Support Team Kayleen Barton Community & Education Outreach Director 832-776-7765 kayleenbecauseartmatters@gmail.com Wendy Paynter Development Director 713-504-6432 wendypaynter@woodlandswaterwayartscouncil.org Jenny Wright Festival Director 281-744-0194 jenny@woodlandsartsfestival.com Graphic design: Maureen Donelan / Festival photos: Ted Washington

Because Art Matters The Woodlands Waterway Arts Council P.O. Box 8184, The Woodlands, Texas 77387 www.woodlandswaterwayartscouncil.org