The Marion Park Lewis Foundation for the Arts will be accepting applications for arts education grants until March 15, 2013. Last year, nearly $140,000 was presented to local artists and organizations.

Awards will be made for specific educational projects that develop the talent and knowledge of the artist or participants of a non-profit group. Grants may be applied toward the cost of training (domestic or abroad), and course(s) of study in secondary schools, colleges, or universities. Grantees may also study or work with art companies, such as ballet or opera companies, or study with individual artists. Recipients should demonstrate talent and promise in a recognized art form. The evaluators look for evidence of commitment to the chosen discipline as a career choice, as well as accomplishment and potential.

Applicants should be residents of, and organizations should be located in, the Northern Shenandoah Valley, including the cities of Winchester and Harrisonburg and the counties of Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Shenandoah, Page, and Rockingham in Virginia, and the counties of Jefferson and Berkeley in West Virginia.