For Immediate Release
Feb. 8, 2006
 
Carnegie Center Launches Art of the Alphabet Project

Lexington’s Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning presents Art of the Alphabet, a unique exhibit featuring works by 26 local artists showcasing the letters of the alphabet in an abecedarium. The public is invited to the exhibit opening during Gallery Hop on Friday, February 17th from 5-8pm. Twenty-six area artists, photographers, and graphic designers were selected to illustrate letters of the alphabet for this kid-friendly exhibit. During Gallery Hop, children will be able to begin making their own abecedaria under the direction of UK Art Education Students. Posters of the full alphabet project will also be for sale. The exhibit will be open through April 1st, Mon.-Thurs. 9:00am-7:30pm, Friday 9:00am-5:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am-2:00pm. Visit our web site, www.carnegieliteracy.org., for other activities related to this exhibit, including a picture book workshop for adults and children led by Paul Brett Johnson.
 
(Several images from the show are attached and more can be provided.  Photography by Jim Fields.)
 
Parents can also register children ages 3-5 for the Art of the Alphabet Postcard Mailing Program. Starting in spring 2006, children will receive a postcard mailed to their home every other week for one year. Each card will feature a picture of one letter of the alphabet created by a local artist. Children can look forward to learning the look, sounds and words of a new letter twice a month. By the end of the project children will have the full collection of letters. These will be perfect for display and for children to enjoy playing with as they learn to read. Teaching tips and activities will be included on the back of each card. This program is FREE to the first 750 children who sign up by June 1st. For more information, call 254-4175 or see www.carnegieliteracy.org.
 
Participating artists include:
A - Kitty Dougoud
B - Jim Brancaccio
C - Michelle Armstrong
D- Toni Pederson
E- Rachel Hagan
F - Maurice Foley
G - David Kesling
H - John Dixon
I - Kaylyn Taylor
J - Shayla Lawson
K – David Kesling
L - Becky Cunningham
M - Molly Wilson
N - Kenn Minter
O - Jennifer Bellando
P - Lucinda Chapman
Q - Sheri Wood
R - Cyndi Patrick
S - Robin McCarty
T - Elise Mandel and Paula Whitaker
U - Heather Sandusky
V - Charley Pallos
W - Cissy Hamilton
X - Diane Wright
Y - Linda Horvay
Z - Paula Simmons

The Carnegie Center’s Art of the Alphabet is a FREE GIFT to our children!  Special thanks to the Cralle Foundation and LexArts for funding this program. Contributions are being accepted to help expand this opportunity to more children in our community.  Contact the center at 254-4175 for more information.

For more information contact:
Jan Isenhour, Executive Director
Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning
251 W. Second St.
Lexington, KY 40507
(859)254-4175
jisenhour@carnegieliteracy.org