Northwood Arts and Science Academy's fledgling Art Club received a substantial boost with a $2,500 donation in memory of Terry Scott, a Crestview artist who died last fall.
"This is going to set us up for the whole year," volunteer visual arts teacher Kristal Petruzzi said. "We do everything out of our own pockets."
PHOTOS: See Sherrie Scott's gift presentation to Northwood>>
In addition to the monetary gift, Scott's widow, Sherrie Scott, also donated one of the late artist's paintings to the school library's collection of local artists' works.
Petruzzi said the evocative scene, a look into a furnished room through an old window frame, captures the Cougars' imaginations.
"They've all been coming right up to it and noticing things," she said.
"Art, science and music are so important to our children," Sherrie Scott said. "Terry would want to see it continue. I just hope he has left a good legacy."
Petruzzi said art donations such as Scott's inspire students in her Art Club when they realize they can contribute to the local art scene.
"It really connects them to Crestview when they see there's an artist from right here," Petruzzi said. "They say, 'I want to do that, too.'"
Email News Bulletin Staff Arts and Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Northwood art program gets $2,500 gift in memory of artist (PHOTOS)