Press Release

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CITY OF WILMINGTON AND DELAWARE ART MUSEUM
PARTNER WITH JAZZREACH

Wilmington, DE (May 14, 2007)—The City of Wilmington and the Delaware Art Museum are pleased to announce their partnership with JazzReach to bring educational programs to more than a thousand youths between May 16 and May 19, 2007.  Established in 1994, JazzReach is a nationally recognized, New York City-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, performance, creation, and teaching of jazz music.  JazzReach’s entertaining educational programs actively engage participants in an analysis of (i) the cultural factors that have come together to make jazz such a compelling art form, (ii) the social conditions that shaped the music’s development, and (iii) the immense impact jazz has had on the evolution of our national identity.  This is the third year the City of Wilmington has welcomed JazzReach to Delaware.

“The City of Wilmington has become synonymous with jazz music, thanks largely to our DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival and the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program,” said Tina Betz, Director of Cultural Affairs. “JazzReach is an important component of our Wilmington Jazz Series because it teaches jazz appreciation to our youth. Our new affiliation with the Delaware Art Museum will enable us to expand our mission of teaching children about the arts and fostering an appreciation of jazz—our national treasure.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with the City of Wilmington and JazzReach to make both music and art come to life,” said Danielle Rice, Executive Director of the Delaware Art Museum.  “By adding fun art activities and tours of the galleries to the experience of jazz, the Museum will become a beehive of creative energy.”

On May 16, 17, and 18, school groups will visit the Delaware Art Museum to enjoy grade-appropriate JazzReach programs.  These entertaining, interactive multimedia programs are centered on a variety of topics, such as the inclusiveness and accessibility of jazz; the cultural origins of jazz; the concept of improvisation; and the important achievements and music by women in jazz.  Students will also tour the Museum and participate in a quilt-making art activity.  The completed quilt will serve as a backdrop for a stage during the DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival.

On Saturday, May 19, the Delaware Art Museum will open its doors for free as part of the Free in the First State campaign and host the JazzReach Family Day.  Admission will be free to all visitors, and those who show proof of residency in Delaware will also receive a free ladybug pin.  Two JazzReach programs will be offered to the public in the DuPont Auditorium, with one at 11:00 a.m. and one at 1:00 p.m.  Visitors can also enjoy The Art of Storytelling, an interactive program for children featuring an iPod tour and computer-based activities. Visitors pick up an iPod from the front desk to hear stories about 20 works found throughout the Museum and then create their own masterpieces at computer stations.

The Delaware Art Museum, located at 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806, is open Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Sunday noon – 4:00 p.m.  Regular admission prices are as follows: adults (18 – 59) $10, seniors (60+) $8, college students $5, and youth (7 – 17) $3, with children 6 and under entering for free, and admission free to all visitors on Sundays.  For more information, call 302-571-9590 or 866-232-3714 (toll-free), or visit the website at http://www.delart.org.

Founded in 1912, the Delaware Art Museum holds a world-renowned collection that focuses on American art and illustration from the 19th to the 21st century as well as the British pre-Raphaelite movement of the mid-19th century. The Museum offers the outdoor Copeland Sculpture Park, the Helen Farr Sloan Library & Archives, studio art classes, the interactive Kids’ Corner learning area, the delART Café featuring free Wi-Fi access, and the Museum Store with distinctive books and gifts.  The pre-Raphaelite collection goes back on view to the public on Sunday, September 23, 2007, for The Return of the Pre-Raphaelites.

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