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National Trust for Historic Preservation Awards the Scarab Club A Preservation Grant from The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors The Grant Will Go Towardthe research and development of an educational kiosk which highlights the individuals who signed or painted the exposed wood beams located within the 2nd floor of the Scarab Club. |
The Educational Interpretive Exhibit and Catalog will act as a catalyst for positive action by spotlighting how certain historic interiors can become a record of persons and events that contributed to the growth of communities. With this project, the Scarab Club not only explains the significance of an 82-year old tradition of signing and painting interior beams, but promotes other adjacent historic interiors and properties as well. As visitors learn more about those artists and art patrons who were not as recognizable as Diego Rivera and Norman Rockwell, they will also discover other historic places where these artists played a role in the creation of a strong art community on a local, national and international scale.
The final outcome of the project is the creation and placement of the kiosk in the 2nd floor lounge. Among the anticipated outcomes associated with this end result is an increase in visitors to the Scarab Club as well as the surrounding Cultural Center area by schools, historic tour groups and independent researchers. Also, the organization seeks to inspire all artists regardless of skill, medium or age by providing information about the beams signer’s significance to the art community. This information will also serve as a tool for art history and humanities instructors to take students outside the classroom to a building touched by past and present artists.
"These funds provide the foundation for important preservation work nationwide”, said David Brown, executive vice-president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The grants go toward protecting the places that tell America’s story and they often trigger other preservation projects, further strengthening efforts to protect our country’s heritage and make our communities more livable."
In 1997, a generous gift from George P. Mitchell established the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors in honor of his wife. The fund provides assistance in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of historic interiors. Once a year, Mitchell Fund grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 are awarded to non-profit groups and public agencies. Over $135,000 were awarded in 2010. Grants must be matched at least dollar for dollar with public or private funds.
For more information on the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors, visit: www.PreservationNation.org/resources/find-funding/grants.
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