Snow City Arts is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 Katie Kurcz Memorial Fund, designed to foster the artistic growth of our Teaching Artists and enrich the lives of the children and youth they serve within hospital settings. This year, the fund will support impactful projects and professional development initiatives aimed at expanding artistic practices and enhancing our educational outreach.

Dan Kerr-Hobert and Jess Leonard

Dan Kerr-Hobert and Jess Leonard, members of the Snow City Arts team, have been awarded the Katie Kurcz Memorial Fund to support two significant professional development endeavors that will advance accessibility and artistic expression within Snow City Arts.

“We have both enjoyed connecting with SCA students and alumni through these programs, and are excited to see how teaching and leading programs remain a part of our practices even though our roles are primarily administrative” said Jess and Dan.

LEAD Conference

Dan and Jess will attend the LEAD (Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability) Conference in Seattle, WA, in August 2024. This conference is a pivotal opportunity for them to engage with national leaders in arts accessibility. They aim to bring back innovative practices and insights to enhance Snow City Arts’ programs, ensuring inclusivity and excellence in their artistic endeavors.

“Snow City Arts prioritizes accessibility, and we have consistently adapted our accessibility tools and offerings for our programs, adding and updating our offerings for events and programs. However, we know there is always more we can do and more tools and best practices being developed. Being “in the room” with national leaders in accessibility in the arts at LEAD would be incredibly meaningful not only for us but for Snow City Arts as an organization.” – Dan and Jess

Artwork Documentation and Equipment Purchase

Additionally, funds will support the acquisition of a new mirrorless camera and professional development for the entire teaching staff on artwork documentation. This investment will enable Snow City Arts to effectively showcase student artworks, enriching the creative process and expanding the reach of their impact beyond hospital walls.

 

About Snow City Arts and the Katie Kurcz Memorial Fund

The Katie Kurcz Memorial Fund at Snow City Arts is dedicated to empowering Teaching Artists to explore interdisciplinary collaborations and professional growth opportunities. It aims to elevate the quality of arts education provided to young patients, fostering creativity and resilience through artistic expression.

 

We congratulate Dan Kerr-Hobert and Jess Leonard on their achievements and are excited about the positive impact their projects will have on Snow City Arts’ community. Their dedication to advancing arts accessibility and education exemplifies the spirit of the Katie Kurcz Memorial Fund.

Stay tuned as we continue to share updates on their projects and the inspiring outcomes they achieve for our students. Thank you to everyone who supports Snow City Arts and the Katie Kurcz Memorial Fund in making these initiatives possible.

For more information on Snow City Arts and our programs, visit snowcityarts.org.

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