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Dan Carpenter
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Marketing@thegracemuseum.org

Grace Art Outreach Initiative students present one-night art show

Abilene , TX (May 16, 2006) The Grace Museum's Art Outreach Initiative students are getting a night to showcase their talent at the Museum.

The one-night only exhibit -- from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday -- features black-and-white photographs taken by Abilene Independent School District 5th grade students.

"The outreach initiative takes art lessons taught by a combination of professional artists and trained museum docents to 5th graders in AISD's seven Title I elementary schools every month," said Kathryn Best, Director of Education for The Grace.

The photographs on exhibit were taken under the instruction of local artist Ruth Jackson, who visited the schools in April to teach the students photographic composition. Each student was given a disposable black-and-white film camera and had a week to take a variety of images.

"Each student selected a photograph to display at The Grace in our historic ballroom," added Best. "Students, families, friends and teachers will have an opportunity to see these students' work as part of a reception honoring them and their accomplishments.

"We deeply appreciate the financial support provided for this program by The Toro Company Giving Program, Plan Ahead, Inc. dba Schnitman Group, Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union, and Bank of America. Thanks also to Photo Image Center , who generously developed the film."

The Arts Outreach Initiative is also supported by grants from Texas Commission on the Arts, the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, the City of Abilene , Taylor County , and the Downtown Revitalization Program of the Tax Increment Finance District.

The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public.

The Grace Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Thursday. Admission is free Thursday evening after 5 p.m.

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