May 6, 2006, Peterborough, NH

Sharon Arts Center is pleased to announce that it has received financial and in-kind support for its collaborative project Aquarium of the Imagination. The project, designed to engage area students in a hands-on art-making project with a contemporary New England artist has been underway for months and will culminate in an exhibit for Children and the Arts 13th Annual Festival on May 20th. Sharon Arts would like to thank the following community businesses and organizations for their contributions and volunteer support with this exciting project: (two) Anonymous Friends of Sharon Arts, Belletetes, Inc., Children & the Arts Committee, Cobblestone Publishing, ConVal district Arts Enrichment/F.A.C.T.S. Volunteers, the Peterborough Lions Club, and Peterborough Public Library.

The resources that were so generously donated will go directly towards the expenses and needs of this new initiative. From glue, paint, and tarps to an honorarium for a visiting artist and invitations for the young artists and their families— the much-needed funds and supplies will allow us to make this opportunity more meaningful for participants and the community. Renowned artist and sculptor James Grashow will be a guest “Artist in Residence” for the week leading up to Children and the Arts (May 16-19). He will be working with students who will travel to our gallery from area schools throughout the week to create 3-dimensional cardboard sculptures that will be installed as a part of our Aquarium of the Imagination at our Grove Street gallery location. Grashow will also be visiting Peterborough Elementary School on Friday, May 19th to speak with students who have learned about him and his work through the districts Famous Artists Come To School Program (F.A.C.T.S.).

We encourage the community to experience this exciting project by visiting Sharon Arts Exhibition Gallery during the creation and installation of the work (May 16-19). The exhibit will remain May 19-27th during which time, several will be bringing students for free, interactive field trips. Many thanks to the financial contributors, and those businesses and individuals that continue to give of their resources, ideas, and time towards this new initiative. For more information about this project, contact Melanie McDonald Dir. Of Education at Sharon Arts 924-7256 x.305 or by email- melanie@sharonarts.org.