Celebration of the Arts in Historic Centennial Hall Sunday, May 19th 5:30

Celebration of the Arts: Sunday, May 19th in North Hampton's Historic Centennial Hall

-Musicians and Artists Showcase Their Talents at Fundraiser to Further Restoration of Historic Centennial Hall as a Community Center for the Arts

Enjoy an evening of art with the resident musicians of the Seacoast Academy of Music (SAM) and artists of Brush and Palette as they showcase their talents to further restoration of this historic building.
The co-hosted is centered on opening access to the second floor ballroom and stage, returning Centennial Hall to a versatile community resource and natural home for the arts, education and celebration.

SAM, The Brush and Palette, The North Hampton Bridge Club, Mr. Guth's Music Studio, North Hampton Recreation and several other community groups actively utilize the lower and main levels. The second level however has a truly unique stage and ballroom with capacity to seat 225 people for concerts, plays, and other town functions, once it is restored. 

According to Friends of Centennial Hall President, Marcy McCann, while the Friends of Centennial Hall continue to make significant upgrades to the community landmark's utilized spaces, they are unable to access the immense grand ballroom and stage on the building's second floor without major renovation. McCann stated, "gaining access to the second floor is the key to moving forward in revitalizing the historic building so future generations can cherish the opportunities it provides. We are self sustaining and near capacity in renting our available space. Renovation of Centennial Hall's ballroom will generate the revenue needed to operate the building long term by providing artists and musicians desirably sized performance space, as well as those looking for charming wedding, function and meeting space."

Built in 1876 and once the town's school, Centennial Hall was also the social hub for the greater community hosting variety shows, big bands, dances and card parties. The Friends of Centennial Hall, a non-profit organization made up of a volunteer board of directors manage the building and depend on donor contributions, grants and gifts to complete the restoration of this unique community asset.  Many significant restoration projects have been completed, most recently they have begun to replace first floor windows, have installed energy efficient lighting added a new fire monitoring system and renovated an interior stairwell to the basement art studio.

Contributions and grants thus far have enabled the Friends to improve the Hall's public space which now offers more programs for more people than ever before. Yet that is only a small portion of its potential occupancy. A fully restored Centennial Hall will offer four floors of charming space, with large windows, a stage, classrooms, music studios, performance space and a catering kitchen for events.

Why has a small group of volunteers dedicated so much time to modernize and restore Centennial Hall? According to Ms. McCann, "This is another North Hampton Gem. Preserving this unique and historic building, and re-establishing it as the community's center for the arts adds even more value to the community by offering yet another asset that makes it stand apart."

 
May 19th Schedule

· Art Show, on the ground floor and first level of Centennial Hall, featuring the paintings of professional Brush and Palette teachers along with students' works, beginning at 5:30pm and continuing after the concert.   · Concert at the United Church of Christ, next door to Centennial Hall, beginning at 6:30pm featuring SAM Faculty performing an inspired selection of solo and ensemble favorites.   · Reception at Centennial Hall, immediately following the concert, features delicious refreshments and raffles for free art and music lessons.   Requested Donations for Admission: $15, $12 for seniors and $5 for students   All donations and proceeds to: Friends of Centennial Hall (FOCH).

For more information please visit Centennialhall.org or call Marcy McCann 964-2021.