For immediate release         
        

NEW NON-PROFIT ARTS GROUP APPROVED FOR 35-YEAR LEASE AT FORMER PENNSYLVANIA GUILD OF CRAFTSMEN SITE IN TYLER STATE PARK, RICHBORO

Earth Center for the Arts hosts "Summer Solstice Celebration" Benefit Auction on June 20

RICHBORO, PA (May 30, 2008) – Earth Center for the Arts (EC4TA.org), a new non-profit arts organization led by ceramic artist and instructor Jennifer Miller, has received approval for a 35-year lease at 10 Stable Mill Trail in Tyler State Park, which served for 27 years as the headquarters of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. A Summer Solstice Celebration and Benefit Auction featuring musical entertainment, culinary offerings and a live art auction takes place at the picturesque Victorian barn and surrounding 8 acres in Richboro on Friday, June 20, 2008 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The $25 ticket directly supports repairs and renovations to the historic building necessary to transform the site into a dynamic community arts center.

"When the Guild decided to vacate this incredible building, I immediately saw the unique opportunity to create an arts center that goes a little further than most," explains Ms. Miller, a juried Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen member who has operated Earth Center Pottery in the front section of the barn for the past 8 years. "I've amassed much support for the Center, and we are all extremely excited about the services, possibilities and inspiration we can provide for artists, adults and children in the community—with the added bonus of preserving an irreplaceable piece of historic property in Bucks County."

Ms. Miller, Executive Director, with her board of 12 community members (among them attorneys, business owners, artists and art enthusiasts) envision an ambitious program to include:

• Classes offered by local artists that may encompass painting, sculpture, glass torch work, jewelry-making, woodworking, metal, ceramics, stained glass, textiles and other media.
• Workshops for special needs groups such as children with debilitating illnesses, women and children living in shelters and gay/lesbian youth.
• Studio space for local artists, musicians, poets and other creative venues offered at very reasonable rates.
• Low cost and free programs for the community.
• A continued and expanded pottery program with the construction of a wood fired kiln.
• Gallery space for exhibitions, events and an outlet for local artists to sell their work.

In order to realize these visions, EC4TA aims to raise nearly $500,000 over the next 5 years through an ongoing capital campaign, fundraising events and rental fees. Gifts of $100 or more are recognized in perpetuity on the Center's forthcoming "Giving Waters" donor wall. This 650-tile installation—executed by potters, glass and metal artists—serves as a mosaic homage to the local topography and landmarks of the Tyler family, as well as the history of the stables.

In a letter from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Governor Edward Rendell joined in the support received from Senator "Tommy" Tomlinson and Congressman Patrick Murphy and further recognized EC4TA's potential to provide opportunities for the community to connect and create together. The Governor stated that he "expects great things from Earth Center for the Arts in the future."

EC4TA has also received applause from area artists who eagerly await the additional studio, gallery and classroom space. According to Sharon Carlucci, a jewelry artist who taught glass bead making for the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen on site at 10 Stable Mill Trail, the "lovely, old barn is a gem that passes its sparkle onto all who enter it. I am so excited to hear that the barn will be put to productive use."

The June 20th Summer Solstice Celebration and Benefit Auction offers a festive introduction to EC4TA. Highlights of the live auction, with auctioneer Mayor Larry Keller of New Hope, include art work by Jon Burns and Ray Fonce III of the Bucks County Community College (3D works), Sharon Carlucci (glass bead jewelry), Carl Carter (blown glass), Sharon Eagan (watercolors), Jennifer Miller (ceramic art and sculpture), Lisa Naples (ceramic art) as well as items donated by New Hope favorites A Mano Galleries and Fred Eisen Leather Designs. Mural artist Trish Newdeck donates a bas-relief rendering of "Paul Fishing" by renowned painter Roy C. Nuse to serve as the first tile of the "Giving Waters" donor wall. A silent auction features additional art work, massage packages, dining experiences, a chocolate treasure chest and much more.

The evening also includes culinary delights from Confection Perfection (Richboro), Duck Soup (New Hope), Last Temptation (New Hope), Pineville Tavern (Pineville), Porterhouse Restaurant & Brew Pub (Lahaska), Summer Kitchen (Penns Park), Temperance House (Newtown) and other local restaurants. Wine and beer is available for a nominal donation.

The final hour of the celebration features performances by a number of local musical groups, ending in a drum circle jam with audience participation encouraged. Patagun! performs a variety of rhythmic and vocal music using African and Middle Eastern style hand drums and percussion instruments. Inchantations, a women's vocal ensemble, presents interfaith a cappella chants and songs in multi-part harmony. Bonk & Friends offers complex original compositions using an array of ethnic percussion instruments, including djembe, berimbao and didgeridoo, accompanied by foot-operated shakers, bells and blocks. Also scheduled are guitarist Greg Merkle, saxophonist Dave Sesso and jazz vocalist/keyboardist Nicky Egan.

Tickets are available for purchase by credit card at www.EC4TA.org or by checks sent to 10 Stable Mill Trail, Richboro, PA 18954. Mail orders must be received by June 15. Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number and email address. Tickets may be purchased at the door. For additional information, call 267-218-0290 or visit www.EC4TA.org.

# # #


--
Emily Irwin
Public Relations Consultant
IrwinPR, LLC

Back To Top