Wooster, OH – The Buckeye Book Fair is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious GIG Grant from Arts Midwest. This funding will support an artist residency in rural Wayne, Ashland, and Holmes County schools, featuring celebrated artist, speaker, and educator Andy J. Pizza.
The GIG Fund provides flexible grants to nonprofit organizations to support programs and activities featuring professional artists. These grants help cover artist fees, accessibility accommodations, and marketing efforts, making it possible to bring high-caliber creative programming to underserved communities.
Andy J. Pizza, known for his vibrant illustrations and theater-infused presentations, will inspire students with lessons on creativity, self-love, and using challenges as opportunities for growth. A champion of neurodiversity, Andy shares his personal experiences with ADHD to encourage students to embrace their individuality.
During his residency, Andy will visit schools across Wayne County, engaging students with interactive workshops that connect abstract concepts like joy, hope, and resilience to real-life challenges. His ability to make complex social-emotional learning concepts relatable will leave a lasting impact on students, many of whom have limited exposure to diverse artistic perspectives.
The residency will culminate in the 2024 Excellence Awards Ceremony, which will celebrate young authors from each school district for their exemplary writing. Hosted by the Buckeye Book Fair and the Tri-County Educational Service Center, the awards will be presented by Andy J. Pizza alongside Brett Lanz and Kimberly Jarvis.
This year’s honorees include the follow students, schools, and story titles:
- Bailey Webb, 5th Grade, Shreve Elementary – The Amazing Thomas Edison
- Elizabeth Ungerer, 8th Grade, Triway Middle School – Trash Can
- Remi Garrison, 3rd Grade, Wooster Township – The Hunt Was On
- Ryne Gessel, 5th Grade, Waynedale Elementary – The Egyptian and The Genie
- Emmett Ramseyer, 4th Grade, Green Elementary School – Fighting For Freedom
- Truet Steiner, 8th Grade, Green Middle School – Veterans Day
- Lydia Decker, 5th Grade, Rittman Elementary School – Inventions of the Past
- Lucero Cisneros Zambrano, 7th Grade, Orrville Middle School
The awards ceremony will take place at participating schools from November 19–20, giving students a moment to shine as their families and peers join in celebrating their creativity. The Buckeye Book Fair extends its gratitude to Arts Midwest for helping bring this transformative residency to Wayne County. By fostering creativity and literacy in rural Ohio, this initiative highlights the power of art and storytelling to shape young minds and strengthen communities.
Discover more from Buckeye Book Fair
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.