THE HAMPTON ARTS INITIATIVE (HAI) WAS LAUNCHED ON FRIDAY, APRIL 20TH -
THE INAUGURAL EVENT WAS A BIG SUCCESS!
Historic Hampton, Inc. (HHI), the friends group that directly supports Hampton National Historic Site (HNHS) in Towson, MD, was pleased to launch the Hampton Arts Initiative (HAI) on April 20. It was a beautiful spring evening and enthusiasm was in abundance as 19 local artists exhibited their unique interpretations of Hampton to over 300 guests. Seen at right: HHI's President, Ann H. Boyce, 2nd place winner, John Brandon Sills, and 1st place winner, Michael Kotarba.
(Additional photos posted on the HAI Blog page)
HAI's mission is to encourage artists to discover, or rediscover, Hampton, to be inspired by it, and to bring attention to this wonderful resource. We feel that the arts and artists are the perfect vehicles to accomplish this, as they stimulate creative energy by getting images of Hampton circulating in and around the community. By encouraging artists, students, and patrons to visit often, produce works of art on site, and get involved with programming, we hope to attract new audiences to HNHS. This will help to generate awareness and stewardship so that Hampton may continue to serve as a national treasure for years to come.
The HAI's inaugural event included a juried art show of paintings inspired by Hampton, and the launching of a new book by artist Elizabeth Cockey and historian Dr. Barton Cockey: Baltimore County: Historical Reflections and Favorite Scenes. The event was held in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS) at HNHS, and other partners, including the Baltimore County Historical Trust (BCHT), and regional artists.
The next HAI showcase event will take place on Saturday, September 15th, from 2 to 4 pm in Hampton's Orangery. This will feature an exhibition of Hampton-inspired works created by local students and teachers. More information can be found on the Call For Entries page.
The HAI project is made possible by a grant from the National Park Foundation through the generous support of ARAMARK through the Yawkey Foundation, the Fernandez Pave the Way Foundation, and the HISTORY Channel.
National Park Foundation (NPF): As an American, you are the owner of 84 million acres of the world’s most treasured memorials, landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites -- all protected in America’s nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the NPF is the official charity of America’s national parks. NPF works with the NPS to connect all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for future generations. With children spending less time being active outdoors and school budgets for field trips shrinking, the NPF is stepping up to help. Their newest program, "Ticket to Ride," will provide Hampton, along with several other parks across the country, with much needed funds to make possible a national park field trip for local students. Overall, the initial grant of $117,000 will make it possible for young people nationwide to experience America’s national parks during this school year. This goal is shared with our partners at the NPS as we strive to provide this vital transportation to at least 100,000 students per year. Once in the parks, a world of learning begins as young people discover their natural, cultural and historical heritage, participate in volunteer and service-learning activities, enjoy recreational opportunities and most importantly, begin a lifelong relationship with their national parks.
HNHS operates under the protection of the NPS in conjunction with HHI. For more information, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/hamp/index.htm or http://www.historichampton.org/about_hampton.php
