Forsyth County will be a little more artistic after a local group pledged funding for several projects.

Last week, the Forsyth County Arts Alliance handed out eight checks worth more than $30,000 to go toward art projects in the county at the group’s 2016 grant awards luncheon.

“We truly believe these organizations have shown a dedication and passion for the arts and we are pleased to provide support for their project,” said Laura Pate, president of the alliance.

Receiving the most funding in the evening was the Sawnee Association of the Arts, which was awarded $10,000 for three projects: $2,500 for March “Art” Madness, $3,500 for the Christmas Arts Crafts Festival and $4,000 for the Colors of Fall Art Exhibit.

“Sawnee Association of the Arts is dedicated to bringing together artists and advocates of the arts to promote art appreciation by providing enriched visual artistry and by offering art education to Forsyth County residents,” said group member Kris Straukas.

Taking home the largest individual check was the Forsyth County Public Library, which received $8,500 for its “Forsyth Reads Together” event.

This year’s event will feature Dennis Lehane, author of “Mystic River,” a novel that was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film of the same name.

Also receiving significant funds was for Healing Forsyth by Strings of Mercy, a group that play music to medical and hospice patients. The group received $7,500.

“Strings of Mercy is dedicated to providing therapeutic music as a complimentary therapy, combined with standard medical practice, in order to relieve pain, anxiety and agitation it patients,” said Lynn Jackson of Northside Hospital, who introduced grant winners.

Also receiving funds were: the Acting Troup of Lambert High School, $1,500; Literacy Forsyth, $1,000; and Shiloh Point Elementary, $2,000.

Formed in 2007, the Forsyth County Arts Alliance seeks to provide funding for arts projects and provides collegiate scholarships to two nearby schools.

“Over the last nine years, we have awarded over $500,000 in grants,” Pate said. “That amount includes funding for 90 local projects and two scholarships for Forsyth County students: one at the University of North Georgia and one at Lanier Technical College.”