Laugh Your Arts Off Comedy Night Fundraiser

PROGRAMS

Described below are programs that HPAI currently funds or sponsors in part. All of these are made possible through the generous support of our Partners, volunteers, and donors.

Artscene Festival
Held in July, the Artscene Festival is a community favorite. The Logan Square section of Fairmount Ave. is closed down for the evening and filled with close to 40 booths of artwork for sale, from jewelry and photography, to quilts, paintings, and collage as well two performance stages with cabaret style seating. Performances include local dance companies, singers, ethnic bands, poetry readings, and storytellers to name a few. Local restaurants stay open into the evening offering an array of food both traditional and ethnic inspired, and other businesses outside of Logan Square offer coupons and discounts to all attendees. This is an all volunteer driven event, and more help is always needed!

Hyde Park Open Studios
Held each December as one of the many Boston Open Studios Events, the HPOS is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the variety of professional artists who live and work in Hyde Park. In addition to touring the many artists’ studios in Hyde Park, attendees can also view artwork at local businesses and the Hyde Park Branch Library. In 2006 over 80 artists participated. For more information go to www.hydeparkopenstudios.org

Arts/Business Kick-Off
Usually held in September, this event serves as an opportunity for artists and local business people to come together and meet, mingle, and discuss collaboration.  This also serves as the annual fundraiser for HPAI, with many artists and businesses offering items for auction. Held at the George Wright Golf Course, the Arts/Business Kick-off features food as well as entertainment from local musicians such as former J.Geils band member Danny Klein. This is a wonderful way to get to know HPAI and contribute to a worthwhile community organization. 

After School Art Classes
With funding from Boston After School and Beyond, the HPAI has awarded grants to the Hyde Park YMCA and the Hyde Park Presbyterian Church to operate art programs after school. 

The Hyde Park YMCA After School Program at the Elihu Greenwood School hired local artists to teach professional caliber art classes to children from 5-10 years of age. Classes l included jewelry making, storytelling, painting and collage to name a few, with a field trip and art show scheduled for the end of the year.

At the ShOut! tutoring program sponsored by the Hyde Park Presbyterian Church, children from 7-11 get a chance to participate in performing-art classes, including theatre and dance in between tutoring sessions.

Print-calendar of Events
HPAI produces and distributes a monthly print-calendar of arts and culture events in and around Hyde Park. Calendars can be found at all public buildings, including the Hyde Park Library, the Municipal Building, the YMCA, and local businesses as well.

Long Range Strategic Planning
HPAI began development of a long range strategic plan for the Hyde Park arts community.  A strategic plan identifies the needs of the community as they relate to the arts, including classes, performance and gallery space, and retail needs.  The goal is to utilize the information to better plan for and support the arts and business community, and enhance the cultural landscape of Hyde Park.