MORE THAN JUST THE CLOTHES HAVE CHANGED!
Dear Friend,
THANKING OUR STARS
Guilford Art Center was fortunate to present five Art Achievement Awards, our second annual, to individuals who’ve changed our community for the better through their work in the arts.
ANSWERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
The Center’s exhibition “Responding to Our World,” presented works by 40 artists from 11countries that explored calligraphy to interpret political and cultural themes. The New Haven Register had this to say: “An effective blend of form and content, this beautiful show alerts one to the full breadth of calligraph[y]…”
FACES IN THE MOONLIGHT
Over 200 guests reveled at our June gala fundraiser, “Once in a Blue Moon,” on the lush grounds of the Rothberg family home on Sachem’s Head. Guests enthused that the gathering was as special and rare as a blue moon, proof of the Persian proverb, “The loveliest faces are to be seen by moonlight, when one sees half with the eye and half with the fancy.”
A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
For 50 years the Center’s Craft Expo has celebrated fine craft artisans, making it possible for them to display their work and meet the public who cherish their objects. We feted Expo’s Golden Anniversary with a reception for all, serving the uniquely-Guilford Checkerberry Soda. 10,000 attendees supported the arts at this beloved annual event.
THE GAP BETWEEN ART AND LIFE
The gap is where the school is, and where students realize their artistic vision and enrich their lives. It’s an exciting place. This year nearly 2000 students, from age two to eighty-two, took classes. We offered 130 teaching opportunities to artists who also have a passion for instruction. New media and techniques were included in each of four semesters. Very significantly, teenagers are returning to the school, choosing topics like painting their skateboards and learning urban writing that build on their interests and take into account craftsmanship of the past.
TAKING THE SHOP ON THE ROAD
Works by 350 artists were displayed in the Center’s Shop this year, filling it with unique, heirloom-quality crafts. In October, the 29-year-old Artistry holiday sale moved downtown to a storefront on the Guilford Green. Workers and volunteer “elves” transported pedestals, hooks and wire, then set up a fantastic display of goods in this expansive retail space. Rave reviews followed, as did music, a puppet show, and holiday cheer through the season.
HOW WILL WE LOOK IN 2008?
This year more than 20,000 people experienced art through the Guilford Art Center. That matters. Engagement with art is a time-tested way to insure greater cultural diversity. Art can move a community from a good place to live to a thriving place one never wants to leave.
Looking to 2008, there is much to celebrate, but also room for growth. Perhaps nothing demonstrates this exciting possibility better than Artistry’s move from our tucked-away campus to the heart of Guilford, where the entire community gathers. We have made many new friends there, and dramatically increased awareness of the Center. We aim to build on both.
Here’s how we plan to grow: We’ll offer new and innovative classes at the School, along with popular favorites. We’ll organize three exhibitions of contemporary art, extraordinary works that will ignite viewers’ imaginations and invite them to see in new ways. The Shop will continue to evolve into a “you have to go there” kind of place. We promise an amazing gala and other events that are too fun to miss. We will continue to support artists and feed the spirit of those who come here. Our growth is sure to be greater when backed by the hard work, generosity of spirit and financial support of our champions.
We hope you are as excited as we are with the year that lies ahead. Please grant us your support with a gift that will enrich lives, enhance cultural diversity and help our friends and neighbors thrive.
Sincerely yours,
Terry Maguire
President, Guilford Art Center Board of Directors
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