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Art Show for
November/December 2006 |
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Images of Old Forest Glen About two miles west of Christ Congregational Church lies Forest Glen Seminary, a 32-acre Silver Spring landmark steeped in history and full of magic. Built in 1887 as an inn, it later became a finishing school for the daughters of socialites and industrialists -- young ladies whose names included Heinz, Hershey, Kraft and Chrysler. Enrollment grew and new buildings went up, many with whimsical or neoclassical designs. Dozens of statues added charm. Then in 1942 the U.S. Army took over the school and turned it into a rehabilitation center for soldiers returning from World War II. When the facility finally closed its doors in 1978, the property slid into a long period of neglect and decay. Artists Nancy Koran and Sue Moses visited Forest Glen in the summer of 2004 with plans to spend a lazy morning watercolor painting. But their casual interest soon deepened into fascination with Forest Glen's history. Repeated painting trips led to a friendship with part-time Seminary "caretaker" Bonnie Rosenthal, past president of a community group that had formed to spearhead preservation efforts. As the artists painted, Bonnie often stopped by on her daily rounds. In October 2004 the Army transferred the property to Montgomery County, which contracted with developers to restore historic buildings and build up to 260 new homes. Initial construction work begin this January. Images of Old Forest Glen offers a romantic "last look" at this enchanted campus even as the bulldozers are changing it forever. View the full exhibition on display in the Tate Gallery at Christ Congregational Church through the end of December, 2006. Works may be purchased by contacting the artists. |
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