We are thrilled to announce Fresh Artists’ first delivery of art supplies to Potter-Thomas Elementary School in North Philadelphia on January 27.  This was the first of 150 grants by Fresh Artists totaling $40,000 for the 2008-2009 school year.  This substantial gift was made before the first anniversary of our organization's founding!

Fresh Artists Founder and Executive Director Barbara Chandler Allen greeted Sandra Dungee Glenn, Chair of the School Reform Commission;  Shawn Crowder, School District of Philadelphia Chief of Staff; as well as the Mayor's Chief Cultural Officer, Gary Steuer.  A brief presentation was held with Artist-Philanthropist Sara Hendrix, making a ceremonial delivery of art supplies to Art teacher Darren Umble and his third grade class of young Picassos.  

The event garnered major broadcast publicity including segments on 6ABC with Lisa Thomas-Laury, Fox 29 with Gerald Kolpan, NBC10 and an in depth interview Arts Reporter Alex Schmidt on WHYY.  Additional publicity included stories in the Daily News, Al Dia, Philadelphia Tribune, and the Metro.  The event was also captured for Public School TV.  

Health Partners CEO Bill George stopped by to be part of the fun. Health Partners, Fresh Artists’ first major corporate partnership, installed more than 60 works of student art in their 130,000 square foot headquarters at 9th and Market Streets.  Bill was delighted to see the faces of the children as they painted with supplies he helped provide.

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