Our vision is to enhance elementary arts education by providing annual financial support.

Our Story

  • June 2008

    When state and local budget cuts slashed full-time music and art programs in Alachua County elementary schools by 50% for 2008–2009, concerned citizens responded by establishing the Elementary Arts Programs Fund at the Gainesville Community Foundation. Launched with $775, the fund sought to preserve full-time arts education.

  • July 2008

    Despite raising over $85,000 from more than 500 donors by July 8, 2008, the committee could not meet Superintendent Dan Boyd’s July 10 deadline to raise $850,000 needed to restore full-time art and music programs.

  • August 2008

    An Advisory Board dedicated to strengthening arts education in all elementary schools was established in partnership with the Alachua County School Board and the Gainesville Community Foundation.

  • November 2008

    Alachua County voters passed the One Mill Property Tax Initiative, restoring full-time elementary music and art programs and funding middle school bands, library programs, guidance services, and modern classroom technology.

  • July 2009

    Elementary Art and Music programs were successfully reinstated to full-time status in all 25 Alachua County Public Elementary Schools.

  • August 2009

    Friends of Elementary Arts donated $50,000 to the Alachua County School Board, giving each elementary music and art teacher $1,000 to support the rebuilding of their arts programs.Description goes here

  • 2011

    After obtaining 501(c)(3) status, the Elementary Arts Program Fund became Friends of Elementary Arts, Inc. Since then, the organization has provided $5,000 annually to support field trips for fifth-grade students to the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art or the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Our Impact.

Since our start in 2008, Friends of Elementary Arts has raised funds and awareness to promote arts and music education in the lives of our children.

  • Compromised of nine passionate members, and a growing public base, Friends of Elementary Arts will continue to service Alachua County communities for many more years to come.

  • There are over 20 elementary schools in Alachua County, and we are dedicated to bringing art and music education to each one of them, and the many more to come. 

  • The Elementary Arts Fund has awarded nearly $100,000.00 to support and enhance elementary art and music programs in Alachua County Public Schools. 

Meet the Founders

Sandra Clifton | Co-Founder

Sandra Clifton retired from teaching in 2010. During her 40 years as an elementary teacher in Alachua County, she took her students on many field trips to docent led tours of the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art and to concerts at the Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. She saw firsthand how providing children with these unique artistic experiences influenced them in numerous positive ways.

Sue Johnson | Co-Founder

Sue Johnson is a retired art educator and a co-founder of Friends of Elementary Arts, Inc. Although she is no longer a Gainesville resident, she is still involved in this organization because she believes that the arts are a basic component to a well-rounded education. The arts are an important contributor to the social, emotional and intellectual development of all students.

Our Board Members

Co-Chairs – Linda Henderson, retired art teacher 

Cheryl Poe, retired music teacher

School Board of Alachua County Liaison – Diana Rollo

Secretary – Bonnie Bernau, retired art educator 

Treasurer – Wes Jones, business professional 

Digital Media Specialist – Tatyana Mann

At Large Director – Linda Zidonic, retired art teacher

At Large Director – Christine Brundige, retired art teacher

At Large Director--Mary Hall, retired media specialist 

Gainesville Fine Arts Association Liaison – Katy Lemie

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS:

Corinne Keller, retired middle school social studies teacher

Simone Spade, fine arts educator and active artist

Alachua County public and charter school art and music teachers

Outstanding local artists who donate both time and artwork


And a special thank you to all of our local fine arts instructors and adult art advocates too numerous to name!