By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Several Alabaster teachers will be able to purchase everything from new drums to supplies for African mask projects after they received grants from the Alabaster Arts Council on April 19.

During a reception held at Alabaster’s Jim ‘N Nick’s restaurant, the Arts Council distributed $5,000 in grants to seven teachers at Alabaster’s schools.

The Arts Council raises money for its annual CityFest celebration through sponsorships with several local businesses. Sponsorship money not spent on CityFest expenses is donated to local schools, said Arts Council Vice President Sophie Martin.

“We want to say how much we appreciate what you do for our children and our community,” said Arts Council President Adam Moseley. “This is the fun thing we get to do, and it’s because of CityFest that we get to do this.

“This year, seven people applied for grants, and seven people got grants,” Moseley added.

Thompson High School art teacher Tym Davis received a $1,000 grant to fund an art class for special-needs students at the school.

“Now we will be able to get some real supplies. We will be able to do a lot more,” Davis said.

Creek View Elementary School art teacher Lyn Wyatt received a $500 grant to purchase supplies for a student African mask project.

Thompson Sixth Grade Center art teacher Michelle McGraw received a $1,000 grant to start an art club at the school. CVES music teacher Cassidy Jordan received a $500 grant to fund a “Schoolhouse Rock” show at the school.

The Arts Council awarded a $1,000 grant to Thompson Intermediate School to purchase drums, a $500 grant to THS to help fund a choir trip and a $500 grant to CVES to help fund an authors’ day. The council also distributed several $25 “classroom cash” prizes to several teachers at the reception.