Just in time to welcome in the summer and return to gathering in person, the Center for the Arts (CFA) announces that their Annual Gala will take place on Thursday, July 8, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM, at the New London Historical Society. They invite people to enjoy a delightful evening of music and dancing to the sounds of the Bedford Big Band, plus the annual 10 X 10 art sale, all to raise money for CFA Arts Education Scholarships.
Sue Elliot, Scholarship Committee Chair says, “Our hope is to continue to support students in the Lake Sunapee region who are talented in various aspects of the arts so that they can develop their unique gifts. We have in the past awarded students in grades 7 to 12 financial assistance to attend workshops, intensives, and classes throughout the region and beyond, and senior scholarships for students going to college with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in the arts.
“Our fundraising events help these young people realize their dreams of becoming artists, writers, vocalists, musicians, actors, and filmmakers. Along with the financial help, our most fervent wish is that students will know that they have come from a community that supports and encourages young people who are talented and wish to pursue their artistic dreams. Without financial support, this could not become a reality.”
The Center for the Arts has awarded more than $28,000 to students to attend summer intensives and to those pursuing the arts in college. Students from all 12 towns in the Lake Sunapee Region have benefited from these scholarships over the years.
Some of the summer programs have included the Joffrey Ballet, Radio City Music Hall, the Kinhaven Music School, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and our own New London Barn Junior Intern Program, as well as those pursuing the arts at Middlebury College, Emerson College, the Hart School of Music, and others.
After a long, difficult year of cancellations and restrictions in the world, and in the art world particularly, it is even more important to come out to celebrate and support this event and these young folks. This event will help fund this year’s scholarship awards, which will be announced at our July 2nd First Friday at the bandstand in New London.
In the words of past recipients themselves, “I wanted to thank you again for the scholarship that helped me attend Kinhaven this summer. I wanted to tell you what a wonderful experience I had. I was involved in two chamber groups, a string orchestra, and a full orchestra. We performed Mozart, Holst, Beethoven, Verdi, and Pergolesi. I feel I grew as a musician, and I am looking forward to putting my knowledge to work this year in my regular day-to-day violin studies.”
“I have always had a passion for the creative arts and am currently pursuing a BA in Film Production at Emerson College. The Center for the Arts scholarship has allowed me to do two incredible things while at Emerson. In the summer of 2015, I was able to pay for all my first-year textbooks and screenwriting manuals to start me on my college experience.
“In the summer of 2017, I was able to go to Greece, where I took part in an intensive Screenwriter’s Lab program to help me graduate early. Taking these steps towards a career in the creative arts would not have been possible without the Center for the Arts, and I am so grateful for all they have enabled me to experience.”
This year’s Gala takes place at the New London Historical Society on Thursday, July 8, and begins at 6:30 PM. All tables and seating will be socially distant and pod reservations are available upon request. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served and there will be a cash bar.
Tickets are limited. The cost is $60 per person for non-members and $50 per person for CFA members. Tickets can be purchased online at CenterForTheArtsNH.org/gala and at Morgan Hill Bookstore or the Tatewell Gallery and include one free drink.
If you have questions or need further information, please contact Info@nullCFAnh.org.