Our Mission
Stepping Up For Arts (formerly known as The Artisans of St. James), is a 501(c)3 organization associated with The Artisans. The goal of this organization is to promote and support the arts in the communities of Brunswick County through art appreciation and educational opportunities.
Scholarships in fine arts are limited and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that deserving Brunswick County students can pursue their craft. We have a proud history of awarding multiple annual scholarships so these young adults may continue their studies in any field of art. Grants are provided to Brunswick County schools to help provide an enhanced art program (music, dance, theater, and visual arts) for its students through art supplies and materials, equipment, and field trips. Past donations have been used to purchase specialized software, weaving looms, painting supplies and other art program materials.
Stepping Up For Arts enhances the arts in Brunswick County
Supporting Teachers
Supporting Teachers
Supporting Teachers
Our teacher grants provide a wide variety of specialized program materials including software, weaving looms, painting supplies, musical instruments, and other materials. Our members also donate materials to fine arts teachers, such as clay, glazes, yarn, fabric, paper, brushes, and paints.
Supporting Students
Supporting Teachers
Supporting Teachers
We have a proud history of awarding scholarships to deserving high school students each spring so these young adults may continue their studies in any field of art. In 2022 SUFA created an endowed scholarship at UNCW for Brunswick County students wishing to pursue studies in the arts. In 2023, the Donna A Davis Memorial Scholarship was created.
Workshops
Supporting Teachers
Workshops
Our arts workshops help fulfill our mission of enhancing arts educational opportunities in the local community. Net proceeds from the workshops support our funding of student scholarships and teacher grants. Additionally, teachers have the opportunity to attend the workshops for free.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
May 2025 Grant Award
Stepping Up for Arts was honored with a grant from the St. James Service Club on Wednesday, May 14th, 2025. As a non-profit organization focused on the expansion of art education and appreciation in Brunswick County, SUFA will dedicate these funds to the ongoing professional development of the Brunswick County fine art teachers.
The award was presented to Nancy Adelis, grant chair, by Lisa Kahn, technology chair from the St. James Service Club.
Thank you to our SUFA Sponsors!
