The Education Program of the Friends of the Thorne offers two arts enrichment programs to regional schools. Both are free of charge and encourage community participation through volunteer presentations.

F.A.C.T.S.
F.A.C.T.S. (Famous Artists Come To School) volunteers have reached thousands of students in regional schools with this arts enrichment program. Volunteers for F.A.C.T.S. study an individual artist and visit area classrooms to make presentations. The Friends of the Thorne have developed a lending library of over 70 artist portfolios containing books, prints and posters. Call to find out how the Friends can provide you with the materials and support to bring this wonderful arts enrichment program to your school.

Guided Tours for School Groups
The Thorne Sagendorph Art Gallery presents an annual exhibit with an educational component for regional school visits. Two teacher consultants and the Education Committee of the Friends of the Thorne prepare twenty minute guided tours and a related craft project for visiting classes. We provide an information packet to teachers for classroom preparation. Volunteers from the community are invited to join the Education Committee as 'Docents' or gallery guides. The Friends provide docent training and orientation for guiding classes through the exhibits.

The Friends will use the Faith Ringgold Exhibition for their Fall 2008 education program for area schoolchildren and residents of retirement and nursing facilities. The Friends donate their time giving docent tours and providing a hands-on art experience for schoolchildren and the elderly. The education program runs from late October through early November. To schedule a group tour during this time, contact Colleen Johnson by phone at 603-358-2731 or by e-mail: cjjohnso@keene.edu.

The Friends of the Thorne "Meet the Monadnock Artists Series"
The lecture series "Meet the Monadnock Artists" provides a forum for the many talented artists in the area to talk about their creations and what inspired their work. The Friends of the Thorne sponsor this monthly program of lectures that begin at 7 p.m. in the Gallery. The spring 2008 schedule includes the following New Hampshire artists:

• Wed., March 26: Wooden decoy carver Dale Carlisle of Stoddard.
• Wed., April 16: Photographer Christa Parravani, assistant professor of photography and digital imaging at Keene State College.
• Wed., May 7: Award-winning oil painter Richard Whitney of Stoddard.

Become a Volunteer
Volunteers at the Thorne enjoy the richness of discovering and learning about new exhibits all the time. What better way to engage in informal continuing education and provide a valuable community service in arts enrichment? Join the Friends and volunteer today.

For information, contact the Thorne Education Program Office by e-mail at thorne@keene.edu or by phone at 603-358-2720.