HANOVER, N.H.-The Hood Museum of Art launched its new Membership Program on July 1, 2007. In the tradition of the Friends of Hopkins Center and Hood Museum of Art, the program primarily raises funds for arts education at the Hood. Membership support has long assisted the Hood in maintaining its commitment to families and school children in the Upper Valley.

Through sponsored programs such as ArtVentures, Family Days, and Teen Workshops, children have opportunities to become involved in activities designed especially for them. Children ages six to twelve may participate in guided tours, discussions, and creative projects that are designed to engage them in the exploration of the visual arts. Other Hood programs invite older children, ages fourteen to eighteen, to reconsider how they view and think about art and to explore its relevance in their lives and the lives of others globally. Older children also have opportunities to create works of art and to directly experience the transformative nature of visual expression. Participants gain a sense of individual achievement and an appreciation of the accomplishments of others. The stated purpose of the Hood Museum of Art is to inspire, educate, and collaborate with our academic and broader communities about creativity and imagination through direct engagement with culturally and historically significant works of art. We are grateful to Hood Museum of Art members for their support of that ideal. In appreciation of our members' belief in the value of arts education and community leadership, we continue to offer Hood Museum of Art membership benefits, including invitations to lectures and events and a museum shop discount. Popular membership events such as the wine tastings will continue to be part of these benefits, and next year will bring wonderful new opportunities to connect with the visual arts and the Hood, including exciting member programming related directly to exhibitions.

For over twenty years the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College has been a unique and vital resource for the people of the Upper Valley and beyond. With membership support it can be even more so.

To become a member of the Hood Museum of Art, call (603) 646-2808 or e-mail hoodmembership@dartmouth.edu.