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Artists collaborate with students to inspire the love of reading and learning.<\/strong><\/p>\n Dedication to take place Thursday, November 5th<\/sup> at 3pm.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Allentown Arts Commission announces its collaboration with building owner Mathew Pezon, Hays Elementary Principal Naaman Schlegel and Art Teacher Darlene Crouthamel, in bringing inspiration to 12th<\/sup> & Gordon streets.<\/p>\n Managed by Materials Conservation, the new 53\u2019 x 32\u2019 mural, \u201cReading is a Portal,\u201d is being painted by California-based muralists Aaron Glasson and Celeste Byers at 1232 \u00bd West Gordon Street, across from the entrance to the new Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary School.\u00a0 The mural explores the ideas of books as being a portal to imagination and learning by featuring imagery of children and the magical worlds they inhabit thanks to reading.\u00a0 The mural\u2019s narrative is inspired by the school\u2019s mission to have all students develop a love of reading and learning.<\/p>\n Along with the school\u2019s community liaison, Amanda Madae, the artists worked directly with the school\u2019s students via a bilingual online platform in which students shared their favorite books, characters, and stories with the artists.\u00a0 The ideas provided by the students were interpreted by the artists and are included in the mural.\u00a0 The artists hope that when the students return to school, they will see themselves in the mural as well as new stories to explore.<\/p>\n \u201cNot only will the children have a sense of pride and ownership of this work,\u201d Jane Heft, Allentown Arts Commission Chair said, \u201cA mural can help define and bring a neighborhood together.\u201d<\/p>\n The artists are working with the school to prepare a virtual assembly for older students about careers in the arts. It will be an opportunity for the students to talk to them about their work, ask questions, and learn about what it means to be a professional working artist.<\/p>\n A dedication will take place Thursday, November 5 at 3:00 p.m.<\/p>\n For more on the artists:<\/p>\n https:\/\/aaronglasson.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n http:\/\/celestebyers.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n About the Allentown Arts Commission<\/strong><\/p>\n We support the Arts + Artists in Allentown. As the agency that champions the arts, we believe that a creative cultural environment is essential to the city\u2019s well-being and we strive to integrate the arts into all aspects of city life. The Allentown Arts Commission supports the City by advocating for innovative arts policy, creating access for equitable participation in the arts, enlivening the urban environment, and fostering & enriching arts engagement for all residents.<\/p>\n About Materials Conservation<\/strong><\/p>\n Materials Conservation Co. (MC) provides professional public art and conservation services for clients in the Philadelphia region and throughout North America. Founded in 2006, the firm has contracted with numerous government agencies, university campuses and private collections to address the unique needs of works of art in public space, historic architecture and heritage objects. And as trusted stewards of our material culture, our conservators have treated both monumental public sculptures and installations in private gardens. In 2019, the scope of Materials Conservation\u2019s work expanded so that it now includes all aspects of the world of public art, including public art planning, the public art commissioning process, and fabrication services. MC now offers the complete range of public art services for artists, universities, institutions, developers and municipalities looking to expand their public art offerings. \u00a0MC\u2019s conservation clients include Yale University, the City of Philadelphia\u2019s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, and Lehigh University.<\/p>\n Information provided on the behalf of the Allentown Arts Commission to TVL by: <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Artists collaborate with students to inspire the love of reading and learning. Dedication to take place Thursday, November 5th at 3pm. ALLENTOWN, PA\u00a0 |\u00a0 November 3 , 2020 The … Continue reading NEW MURAL TO WELCOME NEW SCHOOL AND NEW STUDENTS FOR YEARS TO COME<\/span>
\n<\/strong>ALLENTOWN, PA\u00a0 |\u00a0 November 3 , 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nMike Moore
\nCommunications Manager
\nMayor’s Office
\n435 Hamilton Street
\nAllentown, PA 18101
\nMike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
\nhttp:\/\/www.AllentownPA.gov<\/p>\n
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