Newsletter archive | Press Release 12.9.06

Hyde Park Arts Initiative E-Newsletter

Hyde Park Arts Initiative E-Newsletter

March 2007

In This Issue
> HPAI Receives Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant!
> Hyde Park Arts Initiative Updates
> Bookmark Ball
> Announcements

HPAI Receives Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant!

HPAI is pleased to announce it has received grant funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council's John and Abigail Adams Arts Program for the second year in a row. The Hyde Park Arts Initiative's goals are to promote the growing arts community in Hyde Park, and utilize arts and cultural events to enhance the business center of Hyde Park, Cleary/Logan Square. HPAI appreciates that the MCC supports our efforts to achieve these important goals.

Hyde Park Arts Initiative Updates

The Hyde Park Arts Initiative started as a conversation among area artists, non-profits and individuals who were looking for a way to support the growing arts community and enhance the business district of Hyde Park. Eventually, a core group representing 13 community organizations, non-profits and art venues emerged as the Partners of the Hyde Park Arts Initiative, serving as the governing body of the organization. Their efforts have been supported by a key group of individuals, business owners, and artists, known as collaborators, who volunteer to help organize and run many of the events and programs of HPAI.

Now entering its third year of operations, HPAI has been successful in implementing the yearly Artscene Festival, funding after school art classes at the Greenwood Elementary School and the ShOut! tutoring program, providing additional financial support for Hyde Park Open Studios, and establishing both an online and print calendar of local cultural events, as well a website loaded with art related resources and a listing of area artists. As HPAI looks forward to the future, hopes are to be able to continue to sponsor additional community wide events such as a winter musical show, and perhaps a monthly hosting of art events by area businesses during the spring and summer. In addition, HPAI hopes to continue to promote various artists and cultural events happening in Hyde Park through the media and enhanced outreach efforts in the community.

HPAI has been successful the past two years in securing funding for its activities through various grants from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, The Boston Cultural Council, The Boston Foundation, and Boston After School and Beyond. In addition, many in the community have donated to HPAI at the annual Art/Business Kick-off event, as well as through donations of services, space, and art, and countless volunteer hours helping to plan and execute events. The support of all is truly appreciated, for without both the funding support and volunteer efforts, none of HPAI's programs or events would be possible.

The Hyde Park Arts Initiative has achieved so much in a short time, and is poised to achieve even more. However, HPAI is at a cross roads again, faced with the need to look for alternative funding sources for 2008, and to hire a new staff person to fill the role of the current project coordinator, who is slated to leave in April. It is clear based on the early success of this group that with the ongoing support of the HPAI Partners, Collaborators, and the community at large, HPAI will continue to have great impact on growing support for arts and business in Hyde Park. To find out more about volunteering at HPAI events or how to support HPAI call (617) 364-7300. To find out more about the Project Coordinator position, go to the About page and scroll to listing.

Bookmark Ball

The Friends of the Hyde Park Library held their third annual Bookmark Ball on Saturday, March 3 at the Hyde Park Branch Library. The event was attended by many local supporters, as well as Mayor Menino and his wife Angela, Representative Angelo Scaccia, and the President of the Boston Public Libraries, Bernard Margolis.

The Ball was conceived as a way to raise funds to restore and repair existing artwork in the library after a valuable tapestry was damaged during the library‚s renovations. The first Bookmark Ball successfully raised $4000, part of which was used to restore the tapestry, and the remains of which went to support the care of other artworks, as well as present original new pieces in the library. This year, the funds were used to restore a painting of the founder of Hyde Park, Alpheus Blake. The painting, done by Walter Gilman Paige, was originally donated to the local Historical Society in 1891 (before there was a library). The excitement of this year‚s event was the unveiling of the newly restored and cleaned painting.

In addition to the older artworks, The Hyde Park Arts Association has mounted shows of current local artists at the library, and funds from the Friends of the Hyde Park Library allow for these installations and opening receptions. This is a wonderful opportunity for local artists to have their work seen, and the Friends hope to continue to make the library a destination for art lovers through shows and participation as a venue during Hyde Park Open Studios.

Attendees at this year's Ball were treated to food provided by the Friends, flowers and décor generously donated by Pat Tierney, and entertainment by local vocalist Tony Cibotti and dancing to music provided by a DJ. The Friends will gather and vote on next year‚s project, but in the meantime encourage all in the community to come see the wonderful art, both old and new, on display throughout the library. Hyde Park Branch Library (617) 361-2524


Announcements

Artists-at-Large presents Paintings by Al DeMola, March 1-April 30 in the lobby of Riverside Theatre Works, 45 Fairmount Ave. (617) 276-3223

The Floor Lords at the Hyde Park YMCA! Great classes are being taught by this local professional dance troupe including Breakin' & Poppin', the original hip hop styles! Call (617) 361- 2300 for more information.

Bagpipes For Cancer, a benefit for the Pan Mass Challenge, featuring the O'Dwyer School of Dance, Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums, vocalist Patricia Wells, among others. John Fitzgerald, host of WROL Radio's Irish Hit Parade will serve as Master of Ceremonies. March 10,m 7:30 p.m. at Milton High School. Tickets and info, (617) 696-7172

Monday Night Salsa Classes with Steven and Cheryl have been a huge success! Classes continue every Monday at 7pm. All levels are welcome and no partner is necessary! Drop in cost is $15 per class. Come join the fun with great music and cool dance moves!

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