The Marshall Fund for the Creative Arts inspires Applewild with its artist-in-residence programs. We are proud to present our outstanding arts programming for the 2007-2008 arts season.
The Marshall Fund has presented such timeless artists as the women's vocal and dance group, Libana, and the modern origami artist, Michael Lafosse. The fund originated when Bill Marshall retired as 
Headmaster in 2001 and with his wife, Donna Marshall, who retired as Lower School Art Teacher in 1999, decided to leave a legacy in the creative arts for the Applewild community. Faculty, parents and trustees are encouraged to sponsor an artist or artists by inquiring about daily fees and programs and then writing a proposal that will outline the artists(s) visit. Each proposal is reviewed by the Marshall Fund for the Creative Arts Committee consisting of Bill and Donna Marshall, Frank Bonanno, Jen Caldwell, Erica Hager, Clarence Rabideau, Bobbie Spiegelman, Chris Williamson and Lisa Montanaro. After a careful selection process, our committee chooses the timeliest of the proposals and notifies each sponsor. The sponsor(s) then invites these artists to work within our residency program. Residencies have included classes within a week and those spread over several months throughout the year.
In celebration of Applewild's Jubilee, the Marshall Fund for the Creative Arts welcomes the ceramic muralist, Rob Rossel, for the 2007-2008 arts season. Clarence Rabideau, art department chair and senior faculty member is the faculty sponsor for this exciting residency.
For three weeks, starting with the week of the Harvest Fair, members of the Applewild community will take part in creating an individual tile using elements found in nature on the grounds or with the option of creating their own image of Applewild on clay tiles. The Marshall Fund extends this opportunity to all alumni, past faculty and board members. With approximately 400 tiles, Mr. Rossel will design a concept for a mural to be installed permanently on the Applewild campus. A jury, made up of the Sixth Grade Anniversary Ambassadors, Cheri Amarna, Walter Bennett, Bill Marshall, Lisa Montanaro, Clarence Rabideau, Chris Williamson and Dave Wood, will choose from three sketches submitted by Mr. Rossel. The final piece will commemorate our 50th year and mark the first large-scale piece of public art in our growing art collection.
Rob's work is on display in the Crocker Building foyer. For more information, please visit www.symmetrytileworks.com.
The Marshall Fund for the Creative Arts is a leader in arts-based hands-on educational experiences for school aged children.