The Paula Kaye Speraneo Memorial Fund for Community and Culture has awarded its inaugural community grants to two local organizations to support area art and history programs.
Established in memory of Paula Kaye Speraneo, the fund honors her legacy of supporting community strength through creative arts and cultural connection. Speraneo, who served as a board member and later the director of the West Plains Council on the Arts until her death in March 2025, was instrumental in paving the way for West Plains to be designated a 2026 Missouri Arts Council Creative Community. The grant awards mark the culmination of a competitive application process launched by the fund this past March.
The Yellow House Community Arts Center and the Lincoln School Project each received a $500 grant.
The Yellow House Community Arts Center will use its funding to support a community fundraiser featuring an interactive mural designed to engage participants of all ages and skill levels. The initiative emphasizes youth involvement, creative expression and expanded access to local arts programming.
The Lincoln School Project will apply its grant toward producing an “Origin Story” video to introduce its educational mascot, “The Wise Old Owl.” The project aims to use storytelling and creative media to make regional history more engaging and accessible for younger audiences.
“These organizations are doing meaningful work that brings people together and strengthens our community in lasting ways,” fund founder Amber Miller said. “It’s an honor to support projects that reflect the creativity and connection my mom cared so deeply about.”
