“Program enables Manchester 5th graders to visit museum”

MANCHESTER— May 14, 2009—St. Mary's Bank announced it recently gave $1,500 to the Currier Museum of Art to help fund museum tours for Manchester School District’s fifth-grade students.

“Providing culturally diverse experiences for our community’s youth is an important part of their education,” said Daryl Cady St. Mary's Bank CFO and Currier Advisory Board member. “St. Mary’s Bank is pleased to help continue the Currier’s annual tradition of giving free tours of the museum to the city’s fifth-graders.”

Each year, prior to the tour, the Currier sends an art educator into the classroom to explain to the students what types of artwork they’ll see at the museum and give a little history about the pieces on display. However, due to a new federal mandate, nurses must now accompany classes with any students who need medical assistance. Because the district is unable to fund the cost of these nurses, the Currier reached out to St. Mary’s for assistance.

“For more than 15 years, we’ve sponsored all fifth graders in the Manchester School District to visit the Currier,” said museum director Susan Strickler. “For many students, this is their first visit to an art museum. With the new federal regulations, we were worried the money wouldn’t be available for these children to experience the cultural exhibits and artwork the Currier has to offer. We’re grateful to St. Mary’s Bank for helping us to continue providing these free tours.”

About The Currier Museum of Art
The Currier Museum of Art is an internationally renowned art museum located in Manchester, New Hampshire. The Currier features European and American paintings, decorative arts, photographs and sculpture, including works by Picasso, Monet, O'Keeffe, Wyeth and LeWitt with exhibitions, tours, and programs year-round. For more information, visit www.currier.org.



5th grade students from Manchester's Bakersville Elementary School. Left to Right, Daryl Cady, St. Mary's Bank CFO, Susan Strickler, Currier Museum of Art Director and Tom Champagne, St. Mary's Bank Director of Community Outreach.