Bethel Historical Society to Sponsor 30th Annual Faye Taylor Memorial Art Show on May 23

“Old TimeToys and Games” will be the featured topic of the 30th annual Faye Taylor Memorial Art Show to be held on Saturday, May 23 at the Bethel Historical Society from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In days gone by, long before computer and electronic games, boys and girls had many different types of toys and games. Many of them may seem simple today and are not considered flashy, but they required some skill and imagination. Games such as Cat’s Cradle, Marbles and Quints date back to the Bronze Age and earlier, while Tic Tac Toe was played in Ancient Rome. Playing cards were introduced in America in the late 1400s and Rag Dolls, Yarn Dolls, and Cornhusk Dolls were popular during colonial times. Children played Hopscotch, Jump Rope, Jacks, Dominoes, and Pick-Up Sticks, or entertained themselves with wooden tops, Yo-Yos, Jacob’s Ladders, Sewing Cards, and various wooden puzzles. This year’s subject, “Old-Time Toys and Games,” celebrates these simpler pastimes, and students are encouraged to show children enjoying at least some of these activities in their submission.

All SAD # 44 elementary students (Grades 1-6) are invited to enter the show by submitting a finished (“finished” means having paper COMPLETELY covered with color) artwork in any medium (crayon, oil, tempera, watercolor, chalk, etc.) no larger than 12 inches by 18 inches. It must be delivered to the Dr. Moses Mason House by 3 p.m., Friday, May 22 in order to be considered for a prize. On Saturday morning, at least three judges will look at all the entries to determine how they relate to this year’s theme and to choose the 2009 winners.

All entries must include on the back side, the student’s full name, home telephone number, teacher’s name, grade level and school. Contest entries may be done in class or may be completed at home. Questions about the contest should be directed to the Society at 824-2908 or to info@bethelhistorical.org.

Ribbons, certificates and cash prizes ($50 first prize, $35 second prize ; $25 third prize) will be awarded in three divisions: Grades ! &2, Grades 3 &4, Grades 5 & 6.

This show honors the memory of Faye Sanborn Taylor (1908-1972), a local landscape painter, who was interested in encouraging the creative talents of young people. She was a charter member of the Bethel Historical Society, which was founded in 1966.

With over 1400 members, the Bethel Historical Society, founded in 1966, is western Maine’s largest and most comprehensive full-time historical agency, dedicated to collecting, preserving and interpreting the regional past for present and future generations. For over forty years, the Society’s activities have included lectures, exhibits, special events, heritage festivals, workshops, conferences, school and educational programs, and publications. In 1974, the Society acquired the Dr. Moses Mason House, which now contains a period house museum, exhibit hall and research library. In 1999, the Society opened the O’Neil Robinson House (next door at 10 Broad Street) to the public for an expanded exhibit program, museum shop space, and administrative offices. Through the years, the Society’s achievements have been recognized by a number of state and national organizations.

Further information about the Society and its activities may be obtained by calling (207) 824-2908 or (800) 824-2910, or by sending an email to info@bethelhistorical.org. Additional information can also be obtained by visiting the Society’s website at www.bethelhistorical.org. The Society’s mailing address is: P.O. Box 12, Bethel, ME 04217-0012.


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