FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 24, 2026
Leavenworth, WA — Village Art in the Park (VAP), a 501(c)(4) nonprofit serving the Leavenworth community since 1966, today announced its largest community impact to date: supporting a dedicated art instructor in the Cascade School District, bringing hands-on art education to approximately 500 students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade.
Amber Zimmerman will continue her work in the Cascade School District as an arts instructor, newly contracted through VAP. She will provide approximately six art classes per day between Peshastin-Dryden and Alpine Lakes Elementary Schools. The partnership represents a significant expansion of VAP’s decades-long relationship with the Cascade School District and the organization’s most ambitious investment in art education to date.
“This is the biggest impact we’ve had in our history—in both the number of students we’re reaching and in the number of hours of art instruction we’re able to provide,” said Callie Baker, Executive Director of Village Art in the Park. “Art gives kids a way to explore, imagine, express themselves, and make sense of the world around them. It nurtures curiosity, builds creative confidence, and gives every child a chance to find their own voice. Bringing that experience to TK–5th grade students in the district is exactly the kind of work we exist to do.”
VAP has supported the students and teachers of the Cascade School District since the early 1980s, providing funding for art scholarships and supplies and instruction in the classrooms. This new instructor placement builds on that longstanding commitment, ensuring students across the district’s elementary schools have regular, structured access to art education.
“Our students light up when they have the chance to create,” said Tracey Edou, Superintendent of the Cascade School District. “Having a dedicated art instructor in our elementary classrooms, made possible through VAP’s support, is a tremendous gift to our kids and our community.”
Zimmerman has taught in the District for the past six years. She has previously been supported through funding from Icicle Creek Center for the Arts and Methow Arts Alliance. Through her continued role within the District, she will provide art instruction to elementary students throughout the school year, with lessons designed to build creativity, artistic skills, and confidence.
Village Art in the Park relies on community support to sustain and expand programs like this one. Community members can support art education while supporting local artists by purchasing artwork at VAP’s annual art show in downtown Leavenworth, which runs from May through mid-October. A portion of every sale supports VAP’s giving programs.
Direct donations can also be made at villageartinthepark.org by selecting DONATE.
Village Art in the Park is a community-supported arts organization dedicated to supporting local artists and expanding access to art and art education in the Cascade School District. By showcasing and selling the work of local artists, VAP supports artists directly while generating the proceeds that make its scholarships and community giving possible.
Media Contact:
Callie Baker, Executive Director
Village Art in the Park
[email protected]
509.548.5809
villageartinthepark.org