For 24 consecutive years, Far West Fibers, in partnership with Young Audiences of Oregon, has worked to bring exciting arts education programming to elementary schools in the Beaverton School District. This year $15,000 was distributed to seven schools in a competitive application process.

“Partnerships like these expose children to professional artists and promote increased involvement and excitement about school,” says Young Audiences Executive Director Denis Hickey.

The commitment and support of Far West Fibers will inspire the artists, audiences, patrons, and creative citizens of the future. Aloha Huber Park K-8 Elementary, Jacob Wismer Elementary, McKay Elementary, Montclair Elementary, Oak Hills Elementary, Scholls Heights Elementary, and West Tualatin View Elementary were among the schools selected for grants.

Planned events and arts programs for the 2012-13 school year include an International Fair, “Fiesta Night” performances, a cultural week featuring African music by Obo Addy Legacy Project, and a dance workshop by BodyVox, among others.

Far West Fibers was founded in 1980 and has grown from operating a single recycling facility in Beaverton into a leader in recyclables processing in the northwest. With new modern plants in Portland, Beaverton and Hillsboro, Far West Fibers is able to offer processing and marketing for recyclables to most of the residents and businesses in the state of Oregon. In addition to a continued investment in the future of recycling, Far West Fibers President Keith Ristau and Chief Financial Officer Mike McCracken are deeply committed to positively impacting their local community.

Young Audiences of Oregon & SW Washington, founded in 1958, believes in the power of the arts to inspire young people and expand their learning. With generous support from individuals and foundations like Far West Fibers, Young Audiences is able to bring exciting, innovative arts programming to over 85,000 young people each year.

For information about Far West Fibers visit: www.farwestfibers.com