September 5, 2006, Sharon NH

Sharon Arts is thrilled to announce the start of a new teen after school initiative. ArtAccess is an intensive program at Sharon Arts Center School for high school juniors and seniors who are interested in and who can benefit from increased exposure to and experience in the visual arts as they develop and strengthen their portfolios. Selected students will meet weekly at the SAC School throughout the school year (October - May) to explore technical and theoretical aspects of art, explore possible career paths, and investigate their creative potential. Beyond the SAC studios, students will meet with artists and craftspeople, curators, gallerists, and other art professionals and will take field trips to museums, galleries, and studios beyond the region. In addition to their weekly meetings, students will be encouraged to participate in volunteer projects that will contribute to increasing awareness of the importance of art in our community. A collaborative exhibit is the group's final project where they will design invitations, write publicity, matt, frame, and hang their own show.

Peterborough resident and mixed-media artist Tim Donovan will be the groups facilitator and teacher throughout the year along with countless other artists and art professionals who will help to insure that the students get a well-rounded view of the art marketplace. Tim Donovan commented, "With the knowledge and hands-on experience students will be able to effectively build as well as comment on their portfolios with their peers and artists they meet along the way." Built upon the foundation of Sharon Arts' successful summer Teen Weeks program as well as other collaborations with high school artists and their teachers, ArtAccess hopes to attract students from ConVal as well as high schools throughout the region. Teachers at Mascenic, Conant, and Wilton-Lyndeborough have all been contacted about the program and have been encouraged to have their most committed art students apply. "The program will balance technical learning with meaningful dialogue about contemporary art and craft to prepare the young artists for art beyond their high school years." explains Director of Education Melanie McDonald. "We have already had a great response from area high schools with enthusiasm for the program as well as applications that have started to arrive."

High School Juniors and Seniors are welcome to apply by filling out an application, which can be picked up at the SAC School in Sharon, or from our web site at www.sharonarts.org/classes/ArtAccessApplicationFall06.pdf. Applications are due by SEPTEMBER 15th for consideration. The cost of the program for those accepted is $235 for Sharon Arts Members and $255 for non-members. Scholarships are available for those who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

For more information about this innovative program and others at Sharon Arts, visit www.sharonarts.org for information or call (603)924-7256.

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