New Executive Director
Plymouth, NH (January 2, 2009) - Friends of the Arts, Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce that Mark Dionne has been hired as the new Executive Director. Dionne is a New Hampshire native and a graduate of Plymouth State University (PSU) and is very excited about his return to the Plymouth area.
“I look forward to working with Friends of the Arts and providing opportunities for all those with an interest in the arts. The Arts are vital for a healthy community. By working with the schools and community leaders, we can improve our lives through the Arts.” said Dionne.
Mark began working on December 15th and can be reached at the Friends of the Arts office at (603) 536-1182 or by email at mdionne@friends-of-the-arts.org.
Dionne has enjoyed the region as an outdoor enthusiast, hiking and exploring the surrounding woods and waters since he was a student at PSU. After working just South of Plymouth (Hebron) for the last four years and as an acoustic guitar player and free-lance writer, he welcomes the opportunity to serve the community by bringing dynamic and interactive programs to the area.
“Mark brings cross-discipline experience into our organization. One of the most important aspects of our work is the programs that serve pre-teens and teenagers. Some of our more compelling programs are the ones that use art in conjunction with other disciplines, like science or history. This year's program schedule includes an ‘Eco Art’ Workshop in March, and the ‘Freedom Train Event Series’ in April, among other offerings. We are fortunate to gain Mark’s experience with non-profits, as his past experience includes serving as Executive Director of the Newfound Audubon Center, the New Hampshire Association for Justice, and the Hartford Teen Center,” said Kizer.
In addition to the organizations new director, the Friends of the Arts are equally excited about this year’s line-up of programs and special events for 2009. This past fall, our Annual Membership Campaign kicked off, with Art T. Buck, as assigned mascot and motif, -alluding to our campaign theme of ‘a buck a school’ for the ($54 pledge) 54 schools within our service area. Art T. Buck, our animated antlered friend, forwarded our Annual Appeal letters this past fall and asked for contributions to help offer affordable arts education for all. If you did not receive a letter or if you have not yet sent in your pledge, please contact the Friends of the Arts office and we will send you out the information immediately.
If you haven’t already done so, mark your calendars for the Friends of the Arts, Annual Art Auction and Benefit Dinner, set for March 7th at the Common Man in Plymouth. One of the year’s best events, past auction prizes include a stay at a New York City Condo or even better, Opening Day Red Sox Tickets! (No offense, New York). We are currently accepting donations for this year’s Auction, as you can forward your offerings or inquiries to the Friends of the Arts office.
Our Art Education Programs for 2009 are also cause for celebration, bringing in ecology, opera and contemporary beats, to our colorful array of offerings. Coming this January, sign your school up for Beatz on the Streetz, a contemporary dance workshop, and in February, make sure all your art is in, for the 29th Annual Juried High School Art Exhibit, with our Opening Gala set for February 8th at the Silver Center, in Plymouth.
The mission of Friends of the Arts is to present quality visual and performing arts that are affordable and accessible to children and adults as both observers and participants. The Regional Arts Council is dedicated to arts education, enrichment and improving the patronage and support of New Hampshire Artists. No individual will be turned away from participating in the programs due to insufficient funds. For more information call the Friends of the Arts office at (603)536-1182.
