RENAISSANCE Grant

KEDC’s U.S Dept of Ed. Innovative Arts Education Grant focusing on reviving artistic and intellectual activities throughout KEDC’s Member School Districts

[Valerie Durham @valthecraftygal]

Happy 250th birthday, America!

@KedcARTS

[RENAISSANCE Grant @KedcARTS]

Renaissance Teacher Leaders recently returned from St. Louis, where they explored the city’s vibrant arts scene, history, architecture, and iconic landmarks as part of their grant experience. 🎭🎨🏛️

Throughout the week, educators attended live performances, visited historic sites, and experienced inspiring artistic spaces that highlighted the power of creativity and storytelling. These shared experiences sparked new ideas, strengthened connections among participants, and provided fresh inspiration to bring back to classrooms across Kentucky.

We look forward to seeing how these experiences continue to influence teaching, learning, and the arts in their schools and communities. @KEDCGrants @KEDC1

[Greta Gilbert @ggteachesmusic]

I loved seeing the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. It is easily the most beautiful cathedral I have ever seen! One year wouldn’t be long enough to see it all! Here is a favorite moment of light coming through stained glass. Be the light. @KedcARTS @KEDCGrants

[SarahBethDraper @SarahBethDraper]

The staircase at the historic Samuel Cupples House in St. Louis is gorgeous! There were landings between each floor with antique seating in front of beautiful stained glass windows.

[Caitlin Salyer @caitlin_salyer]

Went to the Cathedral Basilica St Louis today and saw this amazing mosaic of Mary finding out she would conceive Jesus. @KEDCGrants @KedcARTS #arts2kyed
I took so many photos on this visit that can be used to inspire student mosaics through elements of art!

[Melissa Metcalf @Metcalfma78]

Day 2 of our St. Louis journey! 🌉 During our dinner cruise, you can see the lights of the historic Eads Bridge and the Gateway Arch casting beautiful reflections across the Mississippi River. @KedcARTS @DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m @KEDCGrants

[Carla Prather @CarlaPrath76565]

St. Louis Wheel 🎡
Perfect symmetry in motion! The wheel’s balanced design feels like a giant piece of ART! The lights & design all coming together like one giant stage set!
@KedcARTS @KEDCGrants

[Heather Shields @HRShields]

St. Lewis day two!! The Arch, the Cupples House, and a riverboat cruise!! 🚢 🏡

Professional growth flourishes when we step beyond the classroom and embrace experiences that reshape how we see, think, and teach. 👩‍🏫🎨🖼️👩‍🎤
@KEDCGrants @KedcARTS

[Greta Gilbert @ggteachesmusic]

I really enjoyed seeing the Samuel Cupples house! So much art and amazing architecture!! Even the china was amazing! I loved this stained glass feature and the staircase but the music room was my favorite space! @KedcARTS @KEDCGrants

[PatriciaBryantWeiner @BryantWeiner]

Exploring St. Louis riverfront with @KEDCGrants @KedcARTS on the Tom Sawyer Riverboat this gorgeous evening. @DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m

[RENAISSANCE Grant @KedcARTS]

@RiggsRealWorld @DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m @KEDCGrants Yes, these were so beautiful... perfect for a dining room!!

[RENAISSANCE Grant @KedcARTS]

Congratulations to Renaissance Teacher Leader Caitlin Salyer of Paintsville Independent School District!

We are excited to share that Caitlin has been selected as a member of the Kentucky Innovative Teacher Cohort, an honor awarded to just 25 educators statewide.

With a record number of applications submitted this year, the selection process was highly competitive. Caitlin’s application stood out for its thoughtfulness, passion, and demonstrated impact, earning her a place among Kentucky’s innovative educational leaders.

We are proud to see Caitlin representing both Paintsville Independent and the Renaissance community as she embarks on this exciting journey of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

[Greta Gilbert @ggteachesmusic]

Wonderful first day seeing St. Louis for the first time with @KedcARTS @KEDCGrants. The architecture is amazing!

[PatriciaBryantWeiner @BryantWeiner]

St. Louis with @KEDCGrants @KedcARTS exploring the area with a delightful light projection show at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Amazing architecture! @DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m @Metcalfma78

[RENAISSANCE Grant @KedcARTS]

@RiggsRealWorld @DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m @KEDCGrants Haha!! Ferris Bueller- for the win!

[Melissa Riggs @RiggsRealWorld]

Wrapping up Day1 of #renaissanceStLouisImmersion2026 at Build-a-Bear, watching a white Heron, and a skyline view from the Ferris wheel (which may or may not have been invented by Ferris Bueller on his day off 😂)@DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m @KedcARTS @KEDCGrants

[Mary Beth @MaryBeth_Vance]

Day 2 in St Louis, off to the Arch!! @KEDCGrants @KedcARTS @DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m @BryantWeiner @Metcalfma78 @SladeShelly

[Melissa Riggs @RiggsRealWorld]

Visiting the Gateway Arch ironically on 6-30. The arch is 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide at the base! #stl630 #renaissanceSTLimmersion2026 @KedcARTS @KEDCGrants @DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m

[PatriciaBryantWeiner @BryantWeiner]

@KEDCGrants @KedcARTS taking learning to new heights. A great immersion trip to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
​This wasn't just a sightseeing tour; it was a deep dive into history, engineering, & westward expansion. #Arch630Day @DrJWEvansJr
@KingWendy_m

[Alison Chaney @chaney_ali53670]

What a great immersion trip! St.Louis and all its history! @KedcARTS @KEDCGrants @DrJWEvansJr @KingWendy_m