On Saturday  December 5th, 2016, the Shanksville-Stonycreek band boosters held a fund raiser in the cafeteria. They traded subs and pizzas, for an afternoon filled with fun and held painting party led by, k-12 art teacher, Miss Billie Jo Miller, and Dr. Samuel Romesberg, superintendent.  

Earlier this year, Mrs. Fassnacht, Shanksville band teacher, collaborated with the band parents and decided to host a painting party instead of the normal food fundraisers. After they planned the painting party, they decided the art teacher, Miss Miller,  would be a perfect fit to lead the event since she is a very talented artist. Miller wasn’t alone running the painting party, she had some help by a fellow artist.

“Mr. Romesberg helped me instruct the painting party.  His role was to manage the room, refill supplies, and help the painters who needed help one on one.”, said Miss Miller. “Many people don't know but he too is a very talented artist.”

Together, Miss Miller and the band parents talked about a design and decided on a crisp wintery scene accompanied by an evergreen tree, a cheerful snowman, and of course, music notes.

All the supplies needed for the event (canvases, brushes, and paint)  were provided by the band parents. In addition to the art supplies, they also offered their guests refreshments.

There were about twenty-six people that attended the fundraiser, each following along with Miss Miller on their own canvas.

“From start to finish it took about three hours and everyone left with a nice painting at the end.” said the instructor. “It was funny because although all of the paintings were similar, each person had their own style and ideas as well that they added.”

Shanksville band is setting new standards for fundraising. Hopefully this fun filled afternoon will become a tradition everyone looks forward too.