The North Augusta Cultural Arts Council awarded almost $2,500 in grants to North Augusta teachers last month.

"This is our way of promoting the arts in the schools," said Peggy Burnett, who will be president of the council in 2009.

Teachers can apply for the grants each September, and the awards are presented in October.

"We like to know how many students it will affect," she said.

The grants aren't limited to art and music teachers. Teachers who want to integrate an art project into their classes can also apply.

"We don't limit it. We've given some grants for special education classes who want to use them," she said.

This year's recipients include Emily Hobbs, North Augusta Middle School; Jan Goodwin, Paul Knox Middle School; Scott Chappell, Mossy Creek Elementary School; Deborah Young, Belvedere Elementary School; Heather Hatton-Key, Martha Brunson and Meredith Weeks, all of North Augusta Elementary School; Beth Graham, Hammond Hill Elementary School; and Kathleen Morton, Our Lady of Peace School.

The council promotes the arts in North Augusta in a variety of ways. For example, it sponsors an outdoor concert series each summer and an art contest during the Yellow Jasmine Festival in the spring.

The council receives funding from the South Carolina Arts Council, business sponsors and memberships.

The annual North Augusta Idol contest in March brings in funds for a scholarship.

Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.