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Bring Wyly to old library

Dear Editor:

My name is Linda Campbell, and I am the director of the Early Childhood Center in Woody Creek. I am writing this letter to express my support for having the Wyly Community Art Center be allowed to use the old Basalt library as their new home.

For many years the Wyly has been the major source for our staff to obtain professional development in the area of arts which can be brought into the toddler and preschool classrooms. We have taken workshops in such areas as bookmaking, paper making, basket weaving and journaling with young children and the use of art materials with young children. These workshops have been invaluable in helping the teachers enrich our arts curriculum with young children.



Not only have the teachers benefited from these rich art experiences but so have the parents and children in our school and in the valley because they are one of the few organizations which offer classes to very young children. Before the Wyly Community Art Center was established these opportunities were not available for young children, and the art classes at CMC were not geared for teachers to learn how to implement the appropriate arts curriculum for young children.

In the beginning, the Wyly Community Art Center was right here on the COMPASS campus so it was very convenient for all the teachers who worked here but not so for the rest of the valley residents. The move to Basalt was a wise choice to serve a greater part of this community. It is still very convenient for my staff because of its central location in the valley.




Lastly, I feel it is very important for all of us to support the arts and culture organizations because those are the things that make life rich and beautiful. With the way our world is changing and the economic pressures we are feeling, it is time to find innovative ways to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations. The old library is a good solution for the Wyly, the town government and the city of Basalt.

How exciting it could be to have art classes happening outdoors in the park, art exhibits and sculptures for all to see, and an attractive community center for the entire valley to utilize and enjoy in the heart of Basalt.

Linda Campbell

director, Early Childhood Center