Representatives from Kinder Morgan Energy Partners visited Beverly Cleary School to watch as the final touches were made on a large mosaic piece for the school entryway. Young Audiences of Oregon & SW Washington teaching artist Mark Brody has been working with Kindergarten and 1st grade students since early November to create the mosaic. This and other art projects were made possible in part by a $2,500 grant from the Kinder Morgan Foundation to support Young Audiences’ work in the community.

“We are so excited about our new partnership with the Kinder Morgan Foundation,” said Young Audiences Development Director Christi Crowley, “their support will make a real and positive difference in the lives of our young people.”

Allen Fore and Marco Ullmer of Kinder Morgan were able to see the mosaics and meet some of the young artists that participated in their creation. “Community youth programs are an important part of the education process,” said Fore. “We are excited to assist the participants of this program by expanding their access to varying styles of art.”

Kinder Morgan is an American energy company that owns or operates approximately 75,000 miles of pipelines and 180 terminals in the United States and Canada, including Oregon. The Kinder Morgan Foundation donates more than $1 million annually to charitable causes involving youth in the areas of academic, art, and environmental education.

Young Audiences of Oregon & SW Washington believes in the power of the arts to inspire young people and expand their learning. With generous support from individuals and foundations like Kinder Morgan, Young Audiences is able to bring exciting, innovative arts programming to over 85,000 young people each year.

For information about the Kinder Morgan Foundation visit:http://www.kne.com/community