Kentuck Nets $10K Grant To Expand 'Boxes Of Joy' Program

NORTHPORT, AL — Kentuck Art Center on Tuesday announced that it has been approved for a $10,000 Challenge America award to support its Boxes of Joy initiative.

Kentuck said the project will provide monthly art kits to children living in two public housing communities of Northport, representing one of 168 similar initiatives across America totaling $1.68 million.

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Kentuck will now expand the program from serving 40 children to now providing monthly craft kits to 100 children.

In addition to the expanded distribution of monthly craft kits, Kentuck will also offer in-person activities in the West Circle Community with professional artists, a special day of family activities on Kentuck’s campus called, “Day of Joy,” and a mentorship program to five rising high school seniors from the Northport Housing Authority.

Kentuck Art Center Executive Director Amy Echols expressed excitement after securing the funding to expand the program.

“Major goals of this program include increasing access to arts education in our community and providing an outlet for creative expression during the distressing COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

Kentuck first began its Boxes of Joy program in 2021, serving 46 children under the age of 12 in the West Circle Community.

Each month, Kentuck delivers subscription boxes of age-appropriate art activities — all necessary supplies for completing activities — along with various art media to explore, and information for parents and children about programming at Kentuck.

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