Ridgefield teacher puts grant money into updating art classes

Ridgefield — Sunset Ridge Intermediate School art teacher Alan Adams gave an in-class demonstration of the use of new iPads and digital art programs to Ridgefield Public Schools Foundation board members last month. The new iPads and art programs were purchased through an Innovation Grant from the foundation, which awarded three $5,000 grants to teachers in the district. Adams showed board members and visitors how iPad technology is used to integrate traditional fine arts and techniques with new approaches used in industry today. Students can build digital portfolios, and learn digital art curriculum, such as animation, film making, coding-based art and digital painting. Applications for this year’s round of Innovation grants are due April 8. A full list of eligibility requirements and instructions can be found at www.ridgefieldpsf.org. Funding for the grants comes from Columbia Credit Union.