Fort Worth, TX, April 30, 2010—The Amon Carter Museum announces that it has received grants totaling $118,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), The Junior League of Fort Worth, Inc., and Alcon Laboratories, helping to further advance the museum’s educational programs.

With a $75,000 Picturing America School Collaboration Project Grant from the NEH, the Carter will provide a summer professional development conference, educating area teachers about American art and how it can be used in the classroom to build the essential traits of creativity and leadership. The Picturing American Creativity and Leadership Conference will be held in July for area K–12 public, private and homeschool educators who own a Picturing America poster set from the NEH. The conference will focus on the themes of creativity and leadership, using images from Picturing America and the museum’s collection. Teachers will receive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for attending the institute, a $250 stipend from the NEH, plus free classroom resources like digital images of artworks, posters and lesson plans tied to state and national teaching standards. Conference participants will also receive funding for a free interactive student videoconference from the museum or reimbursement of transportation expenses for an onsite school tour related to the conference theme at the museum.

“Bringing American art into the classroom is a priority for our education department,” says Sara Klein, teacher and school programs manager. “The NEH grant allows us to serve more local teachers and provide high-quality, educational resources that use American art to tell America’s story.”

The museum’s upcoming Family Fundays on August 8 and November 14, 2010, are generously supported by Junior League of Fort Worth and Alcon. The Junior League has given the Carter a $28,000 grant and will provide volunteers; in addition, Alcon has pledged $15,000 and volunteers. The grant money will go toward art-making supplies for children’s activities, children’s books and refreshments for families. Additionally, the money will help to underwrite staff time. Family Fundays bring together families from across North Texas and engage them in fun, free, quality educational activities that connect them to the Carter’s collection of American art.

“Fundays provide amazing opportunities for families to experience American art, culture and history together in a fun and informal environment—for no cost,” says Fuller. “With the help of our sponsors, we are able to engage and educate thousands of families through innovative activities about American art and ensure that visitors always feel welcome at the Carter.”

The Amon Carter Museum must independently raise up to $2 million each year to underwrite the costs of its free special exhibitions and free public and education programs for students, teachers, families and adults.

For more information about the Carter’s education programs, please visit cartermuseum.org.