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June 17,
2009—Following the success of their first fundraiser
Auditorium Fund Committee members are $1,200 closer to
building a new auditorium in the Duanesburg Central School
District.
The grassroots committee of parents and teachers raised the
money during a multi-faceted arts event and benefit concert
they sponsored in early June.
“We’re building an auditorium one dollar at a time,” said
Dionne Grygas, a Duanesburg Elementary School parent, who is
at the heart of this undertaking along with Duanesburg
second grade teacher Polly Benjamin.
The day-long event kicked off with an arts festival
featuring local area artists, art workshops for children and
a Mexican bistro, followed by an evening alumni concert.
Featured artists shine during the Arts Fest
Visitors perused the Duanesburg High School gym throughout
the day, admiring work created by several local artists,
including Gail Kessler, Katherin LaMere-Fortman, Dorlian
Johnson, Gretta Lewis, Carol M. Hesseling, Suzanna Van
schoonhoven Hunter and Linda Armour.
“What struck me the most was the incredible generosity of
the artists,” said committee member Céline Poulin-Lape.
“Many of the artists indicated that they were present—not
for the money—but for their love of the arts, a deep sense
of belonging to this community and the good will to help
build an auditorium for future generations of students.”
Artists displayed their breathtaking dolls, crocheted
carpets, jewelry, quilts, pottery, beautiful wall hangings,
paintings, photographs and much more.
“I was quite impressed by a very young artist who makes
dolls and jewelry,” said Poulin-Lape. “Her dolls are made of
wool, but look like they came directly from a fairy kingdom.
I took pictures, but they do not do justice to the real
thing. And like many artists, she has a double life in which
she is preparing to earn her bachelor’s degree and complete
a summer internship.”
Workshops help young children gain new skills
Children could not get enough of projects they created under
the guidance of ceramic artist Van schoonhoven Hunter. The
children soaked their paintings in water, which were later
transformed into very unique and creative projects when dry.
With the help of artist Duanesburg fifth-grade teacher Linda
Armour, the children also learned how to cut and stitch
using a sewing machine, testing their skills on a quilt
she’s preparing to donate to a local charity.
Community members sing their praises of alumni benefit
concert
Duanesburg Central School District alumni Amanda Bastiani,
Raul Bastiani, Danielle Brand and John David Ganther
returned to Duanesburg as perfomers for the benefit concert.
Additionally, Miss Maine 2008 Adrienne Watkinson, an
accomplished violinist, served as a special guest.
“The concert was impressive, fast-paced and diverse,” said
Grygas. “We cannot thank all of the volunteers enough for
their help. Their dedication and generosity is helping to
make a difference in our community.”
View a photo gallery from the Arts Fest.
News Archives
June 1, 2009 :
Multi-faceted arts fest and benefit concert set for June 6
April 28, 2009 :
Committee forms to raise money for school auditorium
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