Next Monday, a few hundred first graders will take their seats at the Avalon’s main stage for the local primer of a musical based on the national bestseller “Rainbow Fish.” While the production might not show on Netflix sometime soon, any parent will know that for their children, it’s the equivalent of Coldplay coming to Easton for a performance.
The reason for the unique happening is due to the creation of the Sara Ryan Fund to support children’s programming at the region’s largest arts center well into the future. It will be the first project funded by a special endowment at the Avalon to celebrate the passion for art that the late Sara Ryan of Talbot County possessed during her life.
The Spy asked the Avalon’s Al Bond and Suzy Moore to talk about the remarkable impact this will have on local kids, and also the kind of long-term investment that provides their organization with the kind of financial support needed for the Avalon to continue to fill the gap for this kind of youth programs. The fund is expected to grow further, with hopes to reach $3 million to meet the full scale of community needs for children.
This video is approximately four minutes in length.
Carolyn L Jaffe says
What an incredible gift from the Ryan family to the youth of Talbot County, through the dedication to the arts by the Avalon Foundation! This opening act of “The Rainbow Fish” introducing first graders to an amazing book is a wonderful launch! I call it “Arts at work” when something like this comes together … the arts are not frivolous … they are powerful additions to traditional educational endeavors. Thanks to the Ryans and bravo to the Avalon! Break a leg! cj
Cid Collins Walker says
What wonderful coverage regarding the Sara Ryan Fund and all that the Avalon Foundation is doing to bring significant children’s programming into the schools and in turn to their theatre. A great read and wonderful video. Thank you to the Avalon staff and to the Talbot Spy for bringing this great story to light.