Watch the video celebrating the history of Sharon Arts Center!

In October 1946, the Sharon Arts Center was incorporated with the mission “To stimulate, encourage and provide education in the theory and practice of the arts and crafts through instruction, exhibitions and marketing assistance.”

Created by local philanthropists William Leroy Young and Ruth Crary Young, along with David Campbell of the League of New Hampshire Arts and Crafts, the original intent was finding a way to contribute to the cultural life of the area. A school was begun in 1947 which grew in response to the public’s seemingly insatiable appetite for professional instruction in arts and crafts. A shop for exhibiting artists’ work opened in 1950 and, over the next few years, the Center took root. The institution grew quickly, accomodating the public’s desire for fine art on its own front doorstep.

Today, 65 years later and with a much expanded and relocated Exhibition Fine Arts & Craft Gallery in downtown Peterborough as well as a state-of-the-art educational center in Sharon, the Sharon Arts Center continues its artistic growth into the 21st century while remaining true to its original intent and mission.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18 Sharon Arts will be holding its annual meeting and celebrating its 65th birthday with a party at their downtown Gallery, 30 Grove St., from 5:30 to 7 pm. The evening will include a short pictorial history of Sharon Arts, along with comments by board chairperson Carolyn Howard and newly appointed executive director Keri Wiederspahn, as well as artist demonstrations, door prizes, raffles, and, of course, the sharing of a birthday cake.

The event is free and open to the public.

At 7:15 pm, immediately after the annual meeting, those who wish to stay can participate in another of artist David Clayton’s lecture/discussion series “The Way of Beauty.” Clayton’s topic will be “The High Renaissance and the Baroque of the 17th Century.” There is a $10 suggested donation for the lecture/discussion.

For more information call (603) 924-7676.