MANCHESTER, NH – Manchester Arts Commission (MAC) announces a new exhibition of artwork and essays by young students from Inti Academy, along with photographs of the youth by Concord, NH based photographer Becky Field, is currently on exhibit in the East wing at City Hall on Elm Street, Manchester. Many of the young artists in this exhibit come from families that have resettled in Manchester from other countries. The exhibit will be on display throughout June as a part of “Art on the Wall @ City Hall.”
This exhibit highlighting Manchester’s rich and diverse cultural tapestry will be featured during a public reception at City Hall on Tuesday, June 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. Mayor Gatsas will begin the reception by recognizing each student with a proclamation for their great efforts creating rich and stimulating work highlighting the Manchester inner city youth program. Live music will be provided courtesy of Manchester Community Music School, with snacks and beverages provided by Angela’s Pasta and Cheese Shop. All are invited to attend this family-oriented celebration. This exhibit is made possible through the courteous sponsorship of an anonymous benefactor. The event is free to the public.
“I was so impressed with the art program through Inti and the Currier Museum of Art. The young people showed remarkable dedication and focus as they created their art work and essays. They clearly were proud of their work. Having this exhibit shown to the public not only presents the work of the young people, but also is a strong affirmation to them,” says Field, “They get to see that art and words can be a powerful way to communicate what is important in their community. It was a joy to photograph the youngsters in their environments. I went to their homes and their play yards, places that were important to them. We made sure that they and their families got copies of the photographs. ”
Field has been taking photographs since 2012 as part of a larger project to illustrate and honor the lives of NH’s refugees and immigrants. Her recent book, Different Roots, Common Dreams: New Hampshire’s Cultural Diversity (Peter E. Randall Publisher, Portsmouth, NH, 2015), includes over 100 photographs from her project, as well as six essays by NH immigrants about their journeys and with an introduction by former NH Governor Maggie Hassan.
Inti Academy provides year-round soccer and after-school programming for inner-city children. While open to all, most of the students are from refugee or immigrant families. Inti Academy focuses on English language reading, writing, and public speaking. Additionally, Inti Academy have a fabulous art program partnering with Currier Art Center. This year, Inti Academy launched a full-blown STEAM enrichment program presented by SEE Science Center. Inti Academy is part of the solution to transform the lives of Manchester’s inner-city youth.
The Manchester Arts Commission (MAC) is dedicated to promoting art of all forms within the City of Manchester, NH. MAC coordinates the display of local artists’ works through the “Art on the Wall @ City Hall” program; with the National Arts Program Exhibit in July/August showcasing artwork from City of Manchester employees and their immediate family members, and through other special projects. MAC works with like-minded companies, organizations, educational institutions and individuals to commission public sculpture and public art displays to elevate appreciation of Manchester’s growing arts community – while directly adding to the economic impact of arts and culture within downtown Manchester. Working closely with the Economic Development Office, the Planning Board and Intown Manchester, MAC ensures that public art works may possess beauty in the highest practicable degree. To learn more about MAC, visit http://
