In August, for the second year in a row, the University of New Hampshire offered a summer art camp for kids, with help from a generous grant from the Fuller Foundation. The Summer Art Camp at the University’s Museum of Art provides instructional art classes for families seeking quality community art programs for their children during the summer months. In 2009, the closing of the local Mill Pond Center left residents with no classes or opportunities for hands-on art experiences in the Durham area. As a result, the museum piloted a Summer Art Camp designed for children in grades 4-9. In its first year, two one-week camps were offered and 40 students enrolled. This year, 55 kids participated in 11 classes.

Given the economic climate, museum officials were concerned that the 2010 program would be compromised because of more families needing financial assistance. Last year they were unable to offer any reduction in fees, but with help from the Fuller Foundation, the grant provided assistance for students from families who cannot afford the registration fees.

“The Fuller Foundation support makes a difference on many levels,” explains Diane Schaefer, director of corporate and foundation giving. “It helps fill the void left by the closing of the Mill Pond Center and benefits its constituency not only by providing instruction but also by giving young students exposure to the variety of resources available on the Durham campus.”