Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for After-School Arts Education Program

Governor Gianforte Encourages Support for After-School Arts Education Program

• December 11 2024

HELENA, Mont. - On the eighth day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today encouraged Montanans to support Bigger Sky Kids, a nonprofit organization providing after-school arts education to children in Wolf Point.

"We want all Montana students to have access to a high-quality education and supportive environment that prepares them well for their future," Gov. Gianforte said. "Nonprofits like Bigger Sky Kids are serving our rural communities to expand student horizons through arts education. I hope Montanans will consider supporting their program this Christmas season."

Gov. Gianforte highlighting Bigger Sky Kids during his 12 Days of Giving campaign

Launched in 2018, the nonprofit sponsors after-school, art-based instruction to children from fourth to eighth grade at no cost to families.

Students come together three days a week for a meal, followed by an hour of art activities. Volunteers, many of whom are trained in special-ed, engage participating children in the visual arts, computer arts, dance, photography, music, and crafts.

"Bigger Sky Kids is about self-discovery, self-expression, skill building and confidence building. Thanks to the generosity of donors and our dedicated volunteers, we are able to provide children with regular, reliable access to after-school activities that let these kids express their creativity and curiosity," said Program Director Barbara Olson.

"In our remote community, there was no youth organization that offered regular after-school activities. Simply put, for many of our kids, there was nowhere to go and nothing to do," said President and Founder Char Matejovsky. "With schools facing major cutbacks, we concluded that the only way to ensure a robust arts program was to build our own."

On an average day, the nonprofit serves 24 of the 50 students currently enrolled. As fall sports programs end, more students are expected to enroll, and a higher percentage of enrolled students attend.

Bigger Sky Kids relies on the generosity of individuals to support its program. To donate or learn more about how to volunteer with the nonprofit, Montanans may visit biggerskykids.org.

Running through mid-December, the governor's fourth annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor's salary to the United Way of Missoula County.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor promoted blood donation through the American Red Cross of Montana and encouraged eligible Montanans to donate blood.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor's salary to Warriors & Quiet Waters.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor launched the fourth annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for Montana law enforcement officers and their families through the Montana Police Protective Association Foundation.

• On the 7th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for active duty and veteran Special Operations members through the Talons Reach Foundation.

• On the 8th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged support for after-school arts education programs through Bigger Sky Kids.

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