BOYERTOWN PA – A series of late June events will showcase an “I AM: Proud” Project created by the Studio B Art Gallery, 39A E Philadelphia Ave., to encourage community residents to preserve, protect, and advance “the courage, honesty, and integrity that bring us enduring pride.”
The project represents the studio’s most recent annual effort to celebrate visual and literary art. It also includes a variety of activities intended “to engage community members in the theme-of-the-year,” Studio B Director of Community Relations Jane Stahl explained.
The project is funded by a grant from the Boyertown Area Charitable Program, administered by Berks County Community Foundation. The foundation “has been an important partner in funding projects facilitated by Studio B Art Gallery throughout its 15-year history,” according to a studio media release.
“I AM: Proud” is meant to address “a serious challenge of our time,” Stahl added. There’s a current need, she noted, “to confront great cynicism, anxiety, uncertainty, and disappointment.”
Too often people hide the light of their accomplishments and achievements, the project suggests. “Our joy and example are often exactly what others need to motivate them, or provide ‘permission’ to feel good about themselves,” Stahl continued.
“I AM: Proud” coming events
All “I AM: Proud” events are free and open to the public. They include:
- The studio is inviting members of the community to submit articles and photographs to showcase their “pride and joy,” showing or describing “what matters to them.” Photographs should sent by e-mail to studiob@boyertownpa.org. Articles should be sent by e-mail to janeEstahl@comcast.net. Photos will run on a televised loop inside the gallery through Aug. 27. Articles will be published in The Boyertown Area Expression throughout the summer.
- On June 28 (Friday), from 5-7 p.m., an opening reception that features the works of dozens of local artists in a variety of mediums exhibiting work in response to the theme. Boyertown High School senior Sarah Campbell will show a video she created about students expressing pride in their activities and accomplishments. Additionally, for an 11th season, Studio B will publish poetry and prose submitted by writers to The Boyertown Area Expression newspaper.
- Beginning June 29 (Saturday), the Boyertown Community Library will host a self-discovery and community-building artistic activity for all ages. It’s title is “Flowers in Bloom with Studio B,” and online advance registration is required. Participants “will create flower petals representing themselves” using magazines, markers, construction paper, and other media to show their pride and joy. The library will continue the activity, and exhibit participants’ works, throughout the summer.
- On June 30 (Sunday), from 1-3 p.m., the gallery will host an in-person Writers’ Reception and Reading session. Writers who submitted articles published in The Boyertown Area Expression will be invited to read their work and share their inspirations.
A match of missions
Providing opportunities for community sharing has been important in each of the annual Studio B Art Gallery programs funded by the Boyertown Area Charitable Program. Stahl indicated its community-building efforts match the studio’s mission to be “a dynamic part of the Boyertown community, and a go-to destination for learning, fun and friendship.”
Top photo by Jacqueline Munguía on Unsplash, used by Travels With The Post under license
Graphic provided by Building A Better Boyertown
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