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June 22 , 2008

News & Press Releases

World AIDS day

MICHENER ART MUSEUM, FACT BUCKS COUNTY, STARBUCKS PARTNER TO OBSERVE WORLD AIDS DAY IN DOYLESTOWN

On December 1, 2007, the James A. Michener Art Museum in Doylestown partners with Fighting AIDS Continuously Together (FACT) Bucks County and Starbucks Coffee to observe World AIDS Day, a global event dedicated to remembering the victims of AIDS, and an opportunity to further educate the public about the devastating effects of the disease. The Museum’s 4 th annual candlelight vigil begins at 6:00 p.m. at Starbucks Coffee at 10 North Main Street, Doylestown. The procession ends at the Museum at 138 South Pine Street, where visitors are invited to attend a free panel discussion and special performance by award-winning poet, journalist, performer and activist River Huston.

In addition to the annual candlelight vigil, this year’s event includes a powerful discussion entitled “Our Community Commits to Action: A Bucks County HIV/AIDS Panel” features representatives from FACT of Bucks County, The Hepaptitis B Foundation, The Bucks County Department of Health, Family Services of Bucks County, Planned Parenthood of Bucks County, the Rainbow Room, Elaine Pasqua (HIV/AIDS Educator and lecturer), and is facilitated by Christopher Whitney. The panel discussion provides an opportunity for participants to learn about the dedication and commitment of area agencies as they continue to battle against the global pandemic HIV/AIDS. The presentation focuses on issues of prevention, testing and treatment services. Programs, services and resources for persons at risk or living with HIV/AIDS are available at the event.

The Museum also presents a dynamic performance by River Huston. The former Poet Laureate of Bucks County and longtime activist travels throughout the United States speaking at universities, community organizations and conferences on issues related to HIV/AIDS, sexuality, alcohol abuse and body image. She is the founder of the Women’s Wellness Fund, a resource for women seeking information about alternative, as well as conventional, treatments for HIV infection. Ms. Huston received the Dorothea Lange/Paul Taylor award for A Positive Life: Portraits of Women Living with HIV and is the creator of Goddess: A New Guide to Feminine Wisdom.

In addition, the Gift of Giving VI, the annual celebration of art and giving, is on exhibit. Two and three-dimensional work, on view through December 12, created by students from Neshaminy School District will be gift wrapped and delivered to Trinity Episcopal Church, to be distributed to area residents who are affected by HIV/AIDS.

World AIDS Day events and the Children’s Gallery exhibit are free. Advanced registration required for the panel; please call 215-340-9800. For more information, visit www.michenerartmuseum.org.

FACT (Fighting AIDS Continually Together) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, serving Bucks County in Pennsylvania, and Hunterdon and Mercer Counties in New Jersey. FACT is dedicated to raising money and providing direct emergency assistance for those citizens in our communities infected/affected with HIV/AIDS.
The James A. Michener Art Museum collects, preserves, interprets and exhibits American art, with a focus on art of the Bucks County region. The museum presents changing exhibitions that explore a variety of artistic expressions, and offers a diverse program of educational activities that seeks to develop a lifelong involvement in the arts as well as nurture a wide range of audiences. We also seek to educate our community about nationally and internationally known Bucks County artists of all creative disciplines. The Museum is located at 138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, and at 500 Union Square Drive in New Hope. Doylestown gallery hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10 - 4:30; Saturday, 10 - 5; Sunday, 12 - 5. Galleries are closed Monday. Admission: members and children under six free; general admission $6.50, student (with current ID) $4, senior citizens age 60 and older $6. Main phone number: (215) 340-9800. www.michenerartmuseum.org.