Grafton Business Helps Sponsor Art Exhibit

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation and of North Grafton have partnered to support the annual exhibition of Visual Arts for K-8 students enrolled in Blackstone Valley public and private schools.

 A supporter of visual arts in personal and business endeavors, Sunshine Sign provides visual marketing for business, industry and higher education institutions throughout the region and relies on visual arts skill and talent.

 A logo for the Art in the Valley has been developed by Sunshine Sign's David Maloney.

 The Education Foundation provides support for Blackstone Valley schools and community residents by linking work and learning through internship and entrepreneurship development, career fairs, career conferences, grants to teachers for work and learning curriculum development, and other convening and connecting activities in the Valley.

The goal for the  Art in the Valley is to:

·         highlight, celebrate and honor the achievements of Valley  students who have practiced discovery, problem-solving, critical thinking, analysis, interpretation, inventiveness and cultural appreciation through art education classes

·         promote the value of strong visual arts programs in the schools

·         Assure a strong future workforce of creative thinkers, risk-takers and innovators

• inspire students to do their best in school
• introduce students to a professional environment 

 The Art in the Valley program is provided free to schools in the Blackstone Valley and organized by the participating visual arts teachers led by this year's chairman, Lorna Pezanelli of the Millbury Public Schools.

 The fifth annual Art in the Valley student art exhibition opening reception will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. April 8 at the F.W. Hartnett Middle School, 35 Federal St., Blackstone.

 The program will include greetings, tributes and light refreshments.  The exhibition will continue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 9.

For more information, contact Susan Gately, executive director for the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation at sgately@blackstonevalley.org.