Lynn Museum Benefit to Feature "In Memory of Deeds Past, Landscape Paintings of Civil War Battlefields" Art Exhibit

This release announces an upcoming benefit for the programs and operations of the Lynn Museum and Historical Society

Lynn, MA (PRWEB) September 6, 2005 -- The Lynn Museum & Historical Society (LMHS) is pleased to announce a very special art exhibit to benefit the programs and operation of the museum.

"In Memory of Deeds Past: Landscape Paintings of Civil War Battlefields" features the artwork of acclaimed historical landscape and preservation artist Jeff Fioravanti, a native of Saugus, Massachusetts, who is currently a resident of Lynn.

Opening October 2, 2005 with an artist reception, from 1-3 PM, the artwork, along with artifacts and photographs from the museum's collection, will be on display at the Lynn Heritage State Park Visitor Center, located at 590 Washington Street through December 31, 2005.

The American Civil War is considered by many to be the most defining moment in United States history. Almost four million men, north and south, served during the 1861-1865 conflict, resulting in more than 620,000 deaths. Included in those who served the north, were 3,275 men from Lynn, contributing significantly to Massachusetts 1st, 2nd, 19th, 22nd, 24th, 28th and 38th infantry regiments, the 3rd Massachusetts cavalry, the 8th Massachusetts militia and the famed 54th Massachusetts featured in the movie "Glory."

Two hundred and eighty-nine, or nearly ten percent of those who left their homes in Lynn would pay the ultimate sacrifice and never return to their loved ones alive. Many of those who perished, including several Medal of Honor recipients, are laid to rest in Pine Grove Cemetery.

Artist Jeff Fioravanti has received numerous awards for his artwork, both nationally and locally. A member of several national art associations, and holding the added distinction of signature member in the Connecticut Pastel Society, Pastel Painter's Society of Cape Cod and the renowned Pastel Society of America, the artist's motto" Painting the Soul of America" and mission statement, "Painting today, to preserve the past, for tomorrow" is reflected in both his artistic and historic preservation efforts, where he has attracted high praise and accolades and in two plus years, has helped to raise close to $20,000 for multiple organizations and museums, dedicated toward saving our national treasures.

"We've followed Jeff's work for quite some time now, noting how he captures the essence of the place, in a manner unlike any other artist today," said Connie Colom, director of the museum. "We've also taken note of his philanthropic pursuits, and his effort to give something back to his community and the nation, for today and tomorrow. We are thrilled to be working with him, and are hoping people will come to meet this generous man, see his outstanding work, and support the museum."

In conjunction with the opening of this art exhibit benefit, the LMHS has made special arrangements with one of Lynn's hidden treasures, the Frederick W. Lander, Post 5, G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) Museum and Hall, located at 58 Andrew Street, to expand it's hours, and open it's doors to visitors in conjunction with the artist reception scheduled for October 2, 2005, 1:00 -- 3:00 PM. The Post 5 G.A.R., at one time, boasted the largest membership of Union veterans in the country. (G.A.R. posts were meeting halls for northern veterans at the conclusion of the war)

In addition to the G.A.R. post arrangement, the Lynn Museum has scheduled several programs to be presented during this exhibition. Included in these offerings, designed to further enhance the visitor's experience and understanding of this trying time in our nation's history, will be: period music, performed by Bob Kilham, of the Amoskeag Players, during the artist's opening reception; a special talk by Bob Foster of the North Shore Civil War Roundtable, from his upcoming book, "A Bridge to Understanding," on October 20th at 7:30 PM, part of the Third Thursday" celebration in Lynn; a return engagement from Bob Kilham and the Amoskeag Players will occur on October 27th, at 7:30 PM, when they will present, "Music that Shaped a Nation (1830 -- 1865)"; and in November 17th, during Third Thursday, at 7:30 PM, our featured artist Jeff Fioravanti, will be speaking about his art and his efforts with historic preservation.

The evening programs are free to Lynn Museum members and $5.00 for non-members. Besides times listed herein, normal viewing hours for this exhibit will be Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 PM -- 4:00 PM, not including holidays.

All original artwork on display during this exhibit will be for sale, with a portion of that sale being donated to the museum to aid in its day-to-day operation and its sponsorship and presentation of programs. In addition to original artwork, a selection of large and small Giclee prints, and note cards, all depicting the artist's work will also be made available for sale, with a portion of these sales also benefiting the museum.

For additional information about the Lynn Museum & Historical Society, this benefit, or any of the programs noted above, please visit the Lynn Museum & Historical Society, 590 Washington Street, Lynn, MA, or online at http://www.lynnmuseum.org, or contact the museum at 781-592-2465.

For additional information about the artist, Jeff Fioravanti, please visit him online at: http://www.fioravanti-fineart.com, or contact him at 781-595-5961.

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