The District 39 Educational Foundation sponsors cultural arts events for the community through the Sam Mikaelian Fine Arts Fund (SAM Fund). This special endowment was created in 1998 in honor of the retiring Wilmette superintendent’s 31 years of exceptional service to the district.
Past Sam Mikaelian Fine Arts Fund events have also included:
Art Grant for our D39 Elementary Schools
Exciting news from the D39 Foundation Board and our elementary school art teachers! All fourth grade students throughout the district will be working with a local artist this school year! The D39 Foundation Board approved an Art Grant, providing each of D39’s elementary schools, Central, Harper, McKenzie, & Romona, $5,000 in funding to work on a mural with a local artist. The funding was made available through the Sam Mikaelian Arts Fund and the Lechner Ray of Light Fund. The main theme for this project will focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Art teachers and students will work with the Evanston Mural Arts Program. A local artist will speak and present their work to the students. After presenting, the students will work with the artist to develop a unique image and project plan for the school using the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging theme. This unique, site specific artwork will…
Screen Printing Experience Brought to WJHS Art Students
On March 9th, the 8th grade Wilmette Junior High School students were visited by a guest lecturer, professional artist Jay Ryan.
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Celebrating the Unexpected & Rewarding Moments During Covid-19
In the spring of 2021, the D39 Educational Foundation launched Silver Lining Project. D39 students and families were asked “What is your Silver Lining?” The goal was to find and share the positive amongst the unknown of COVID-19. (more…)
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“Empowered to Be Yourself” Creative Self Portraiture Photography Project
On June 4th, WJHS students displayed creative self portrait photographs at a public art show and wowed viewers with their captivating images. They should all be very proud! The D39 Educational Foundation’s SAM Arts Fund sponsored the project for WJHS students. (more…)
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Foundation Fine Arts Committee Funds Artist-In-Residence for WJHS Workshop
The D39 Educational Foundation and District 39 partnered to host visiting Swiss Artist Verena Brassel May 16 – May 25 at WJHS. This initiative provided students with an opportunity to make connections across curriculum and explore different world views. The program was financed by the Foundation through the Lydia Martin Memorial Fund.
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ComedySportz Improv Teaches Students Life Skills
On March 9th and 10th Highcrest Middle School 6th graders were treated to an afternoon of improv games, learning critical skills while laughing through fun individual and team games.
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Rack*It Bike Rack Public Arts Program
At the start of the 2014-2015 school year, the Foundation’s Fine Arts Committee launched our Rack*It public arts program. Art teachers from all 6 schools incorporated a creative bike-rack design project into their curricula to get K-8 students involved in this new community-wide event.
- 2018 Bathroom Wall Art Frames that display rotating art created by HMS and WJHS students featuring inspirational messaging.
- In 2011, our sixth and most ambitious SAM event was Wilmette does Shakespeare, complete with flash mobs, a performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and related celebrations at the library and Wilmette Theatre.
- In 2008, The Second City improvisational group gave a tailor-written performance for the Village of Wilmette.
- Our 2006 event featured the Holy Goat Ensemble and the Jubilate Children’s Choir presenting the music of West Africa.
- In 2004, the community was treated to popular Broadway tunes in Broadway Ballyhoo.
- In 2002, the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance group performed for the Wilmette community.
- In 2000, our SAM Mikaelian Fine Arts event showcased internationally acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton.
Each SAM event is accompanied by a related in-school enrichment project or presentation.