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01.24.2008
The Legacy Banks Foundation Sponsors Norman Rockwell Museum High School Art Show

For Immediate Release

Pittsfield, Mass. – The Legacy Banks Foundation recently approved its continued sponsorship of the Norman Rockwell Museum’s Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show. A longtime sponsor of the Art Show, The Foundation Board of Directors approved the grant totaling $15,000 to sponsor the Show through 2010. Held every winter, the month-long art show is free to all students in grades 9-12 from every high school in Berkshire County. Students are invited to submit works in a variety of media, including painting, drawing and sculpture. Throughout the process, the young artists learn how to prepare their work for a gallery show, acquire a personal understanding of the exhibition process and exhibit their work in a professional Museum setting. This year’s program runs February 2-March 3 with over 100 students from 14 high schools participating. The grant from The Legacy Banks Foundation will support planning and coordination of exhibition, installation and construction; development of publicity materials; and sponsorship of opening guests speakers. This year, Andy Fish and Veronica Hebard, graphic illustrators, will discuss trends in graphic novels and illustration as well as share their personal experiences during the exhibition opening celebration on February 2 at 2:00 p.m. According to Richard Sullivan, president of The Legacy Banks Foundation, the art show program is wonderful component to the creative education of area high school students. “This is one of the best local examples of a program offering students a genuine hands-on experience that provides them with the opportunity to fully understand the details involved in exhibiting their artistic work. It certainly prepares these young artists to further their education and begin careers in the field of visual arts.” The Legacy Banks Foundation provides support to many non-profit organizations working to enhance the lives of those who work and live in the communities of its branch offices. The Foundation prioritizes six major areas - affordable housing, economic development, education, health and human services, civic and community, and arts & culture.