Ovations Program
In conjunction with the performing arts season, POAC hosts educational performances at the historic Panida Theater. Master classes and workshops are also offered by the performers. POAC makes an effort to match performers with schools and grades that have corresponding curriculum. For each activity, academic materials are prepared and distributed to the teachers ahead of time, by POAC’s Educational Liaison. Students learn geographic, cultural and technical information about the performers prior to attending each performance.  This way, their school-based learning becomes a real life positive cultural experience with the performers.

Master classes for all ages are held by each performing group.  Participants enhance their own vocal, musical, and/or dance talent.  Quality of arts education in our rural community is improved by POAC’s outreach to educators, reaching many more students indirectly each year.

Perspectives Art Program
This visual arts program allows professional artists, under the supervision of a certified teacher, to teach high school students. Currently the "Perspectives" Program involves artists teaching at Sandpoint High School, Clark Fork High School, Priest River High School, and Sandpoint Middle School. Art education improves student performance in language and math, and communities with healthy art programs have lower drop-out rates and a higher percentage of students who go on to college.
Photo: Mark Kubiak, Sculptor, with students at Sandpoint High School

Kaleidoscope Art Program
This visual arts program provides once-a-month art lessons for up to 1500 elementary students in North Idaho. POAC works with Sandpoint’s Community Assistance League to provide art in the classroom.  More than 55 volunteers are trained by two coordinators, Deb Lafrenz and Kathy Borders, to offer a variety of art lessons.  Training sessions take place at the beginning of each semester (fall & spring). For more information or to get involved, contact POAC.

Scholarships for Art Students
POAC is committed to encouraging those who choose to pursue the arts at the college level and beyond. Each year, our scholarship committee screens the artistic work, academic merit, and written applications from area seniors and presents $500 toward their college art education. We are very proud of our three Pend Oreille Arts Council Art Scholarship recipients. Here are the scholarship winners for 2005:

The Bob & Sally Lindemann Fine Arts Scholarship: Adam Eich, Sandpoint High School, Photography

The Elizabeth Kinney Scholarship: Dove Rainbow, Sandpoint High School, Drama

The Ginny Jensen Scholarship: Tracy Kutzleb, Sandpoint High School, Flute