END OF YEAR NEWSLETTER
December 2020
What a year it’s been! If you or your loved ones have been personally affected by COVID-19, you have our deepest sympathy.
There’s no question this past year presented incredible challenges for all of us, but also unexpected opportunities. As we navigated through cancellations, working from home, virtual school, social distancing and the stress of trying to stay safe through the pandemic, we were also able to take time to implement new ideas to move our mission forward in 2021.
To continue our mission of bringing music education to those who would otherwise not have access, Big Water Creative Arts is creating an online teaching platform. Last week, we took a big step toward achieving that objective when we were approved by Microsoft Teams through our non-profit status! Our plan is to start offering “Songwriting 101” classes in early 2021.
Although many of our 2020 programs had to be suspended, we were thrilled to be able to continue a program offered through our partnership with Michigan Arts Access (MIAA). Pete Kehoe has been instructing a “Music Exploration” class at Gaylord High School for a couple of years now, working with special education students. This program has been very successful and the joy these kids get from participating in music is infectious!
We are also delighted to announce a new partnership with the Good Hart Artist Residency. Big Water Creative Arts was invited to launch new Songwriter and Composer residencies right here in northern Michigan. We are excited about this opportunity and the doors it will open.
For obvious reasons, we had to cancel our 2020 fundraising event. As you know, the only way we can make a difference is through your support. We would be grateful if you would consider a gift to support our mission - especially now in this time of social distancing. Music and the ability to express the many emotions we are feeling, especially children in need, has never been more important. And as you finish out your holiday shopping, or any shopping you do online, you can also make a difference by visiting smile.amazon.com and entering Big Water Creative Arts as your designated giving organization. For every dollar you spend, Big Water Creative Arts receive a donation to help fund our programs. It really adds up and every little bit helps!
To learn more about ways to support us, please visit bigwatercreativearts.org or email us at
Wishing you a happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you in 2021!