Nancy Thomas, president of Working Artists Forum, Easton, Maryland has announced the 2009 annual gift certificate awards to three Chesapeake College students and five to Delmarva elementary school art teachers. College students receiving the certificates were selected for their scholastic achievements in the field of art and to encourage them to pursue art as a vocation. The elementary school art teachers are selected on a rotating basis to receive the certificates. Art school/teacher recipients for 2009 are:

Caroline County, Federalsburg Elementary

Dorchester County, Hurlock Elementary

Kent County, Millington Elementary

Queen Anne County, Centreville Elementary

Talbot County, Easton Elementary

These art teachers will use the gift certificates to purchase additional art supplies for classroom use. The art supplies are intended to encourage the creative process in the students.

Working Artists Forum, founded in 1979, is an organization consisting of professional painters working in one or more medium. The expertise of its membership is fostered through programs, group critiques, demonstrations, workshops and both group and individual exhibitions. Pro bono work for the community is encouraged. Working Artists Forum member’s paintings are included in many private, corporate and academic collections throughout America.