On a very warm day this past August, we announced the Benches on Parade project, a community arts project that will provide functional art designed by local artists. Next spring these benches will be displayed throughout the area, in parks, on streets and at businesses. After the benches have been on parade, they will be auctioned off and the proceeds will benefit the Nazareth College Arts Center and other non-profit groups in the community.
The other day was a bit cooler -- in fact, a much cooler fall day -- as we stood in front of the Democrat and Chronicle headquarters to announce that the benches have arrived! A truckload of about 15 of the more than 100 unadorned benches were on display. Over the next months, artists from throughout the region will have their opportunities to dress up the benches with all kinds of fun art.
In a few days we will have a session at our Arts Center for the artists to learn about how to work with the fiberglass benches. The art work will be completed by next summer when the benches will be displayed throughout the region. Nazareth College agreed to sponsor this project because it brings together the community, highlights the importance of art and culture in the Rochester region, and ultimately will benefit the Arts Center and nonprofit groups in the community. It’s an exciting project, and we’re very proud to take part.
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