Community’s hard work rewarded with arts, culture and history in a beautiful setting
The first hints of autumn made for a colorful backdrop to the official opening of the new Marlborough Arts Center last September. Following many years of physical labor and fundraising, including a grant from the Hartford Foundation, the local community is enjoying the life of the new regional arts center.
Programming at the Center, which aims to attract a wide range of ages and interests through its arts classes, exhibits and concerts, is quickly growing. The schedule of instructional classes includes stained glass, precious metals, painting, drawing, and more. Children from Marlborough Elementary School performed during the holiday season, as did a local group of chimers. A concert by a Chilean musician in January was held in conjunction with an exhibit of South American instruments. And recently, the Center celebrated Student Art Month with exhibits by students from six local elementary, middle and high schools.
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| Board members and volunteers helped make the Marlborough Arts Center a reality and keep it running. Pictured (l-r): Robert Terace, Betty O’Brien, William Harvey, Frances Terace, David Bourbeau, Judy Friday, George O’Brien, and Sharon O’Meara, senior program officer at the Foundation |
“The project wouldn’t have happened without the Hartford Foundation grant,” said Betty O’Brien, Center treasurer. “Now, as we look around at this beautiful building and the exciting, creative things that are happening, we are thrilled to have a regional arts center for all to use and enjoy.”
To learn more about the Marlborough Arts Center, visit www.marlborougharts.org.
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Volunteers Bring Center, and Arts, to Life
Said Ann Terezakis, president of the Arts Center, “Funding from the Hartford Foundation and the State enabled us to get the project going. But what made the Center become a reality was the hard work of a group of dedicated volunteers.”
Most of the money that was raised was spent on materials and licensed professionals. “The rest of the work, all of it, from building walls to landscaping the grounds, was done by volunteers.”
Now that the building is done and the Center is up and running, volunteers are more crucial than ever. “Our board and committees are made up of volunteers who are keeping the Arts Center running,” said Diane Sandler, secretary.
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