“Cirque d’Art” Community Open House
Saturday, May 31, 2008

On Saturday, May 31 the weather  forecast may have called for thunderstorms, hail and a tornado but inside the Somerset Art Association, the sun shined brightly when SAA’s ‘Cirque d’Art Community Open House’ rolled into town.  Colorful balloon bouquets and the musical notes of the calliope filled SAA’s lobby, welcoming guests to this free public event where circus-themed art projects, exhibits, activities and entertainment abounded.   Imaginations soared as kids of all ages delighted in making lion and tiger masks, crazy clown hats and megaphones while the identity of the Mystery Mural kept everyone guessing until the last piece was put into place.

Will Shaw, a professional entertainer, amused guests with his strolling circus act and Bette Sidler of Lovin Line Dance generously donated her services as a DJ to spin tunes throughout the day adding to the festive atmosphere.  SAA faculty member and fine art photographer Nancy Ori took souvenir photographs of families posing behind a brightly painted clown face board and a sweet prize awaited those who solved the clues to SAA’s Scavenger Hunt hidden among the paintings on exhibit.  Dressed as a clown, SAA Trustee Kathy Palmer dolled out bagfuls of freshly popped popcorn to eager takers many of whom sported ‘ tattoos’ of snakes, butterflies, ladybugs and other silly creatures painted by volunteer artists Rae Hoffman and Tania Sen.   Generously sponsored in part by Peapack-Gladstone Bank, the event was SAA’s way of thanking the community for its support for over 35 years.

The Somerset Art Association extends its sincerest appreciation to the businesses and individuals who have made this event possible. 

Major Sponsor
Peapack-Gladstone Bank

Businesses                                                                             Individuals

Annie’s Deli, Pluckemin                                                            Dr. John Cross
James F. Hurley Insurance Agency                                            Peter & Kathleen Palmer
Jones Lang LaSalle
Lovin Line Dance                                                                    
Martinsville Florist, Martinsville
McGrath’s Hardware, Basking Ridge
National Starch & Chemical, Bridgewater
PNC Bank, Martinsville
Redelico’s Paint, Somerville                                           
Starbucks, Bedminster                                         
ShopRite, Bernardsville
Valley Pharmacy, Pluckemin
Warrenville Hardware, Warren

Volunteer Committee
Dr. John Cross, Chair

                        Billie Marie Aber                                              David Becker
                        Andrea Gianchiglia                                            Harriet Hamburger
                        Rae Hoffman                                                    Christine McGovern
                        Nancy Ori                                                        Kathleen Palmer
                        John Reilly                                                        Tania Sen

                                                                                            
A special thank you is extended to the
Township of Bedminster

for generously providing the tents, tables, chairs and parking assistance

&

SAA Volunteers

for their generous assistance in helping with today’s event