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Curtis
Widem
email:
curtisw0805@gmail.com
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Concept:
The Thing Machine - a custom-written comedy skit in a vending machine that advertises businesses and events and enlivens events as well.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts. Major in Experimental Studio. Minor
in English. University of Hartford. Cum Laude. |
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Recent Performances:
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Lower East Side Festival of the Arts - May 2011
- The 16th Annual celebration of the arts in NYC's Lower East Side, organized by the Theater for the New City.
- The Thing Machine was stationed in the theater's lobby on opening night to summarize the festival's schedule for festival-goers.
- Along with the handing out of festival brochures, dozens of attendees were given a quick, funny overview of what was awaiting them at the festival.
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CultureFest 2007 - October 2007
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Sunset Park BID - September 2007
- Advertised the Sunset Park Business Improvement District during their Annual Fifth Avenue Street Festival in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
- Employed to promote the SPBID's services and website during the festival.
- Attendees were educated on what the SPBID is, and how it makes Sunset Park an intriguing, safe and enticing place to live and visit.
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CultureFest 2006 - October 2006
- One of New York City's largest and most celebrated cultural events, featuring over 100 of NYC's major arts and cultural institutions.
- Hired by the Queens Economic Development Corporation for the second year in a row to help promote the borough of Queens.
- Stationed next to the QEDC tent, my skit promoted key attractions and reasons to visit Queens.
- From the skit and distribution of brochures and Queens website info., hundreds of people were informed and energized to visit Queens.
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Atlantic Antic - September 2006
- Brooklyn's largest street festival.
- Represented the Atlantic Avenue LDC to help promote the Antic's T-Shirt, excite people about the event, and hand out festival guides and Time Out New York brochures.
- From my skit, entitled: "Dr. Cool and the Attack of the Nerds!," the Antic T-Shirt was advertised, and the schedule and Time Out New York brochures were distributed to the enormous crowds.
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Riverfest - July 2006
- Hartford, CT's Annual Fourth of July Riverfront fireworks celebration.
- Hired by Hartford Stage to promote their SummerStage Summer Season. This was my fifth collaboration with Hartford's only Tony-winning theater.
- By performing at the entrance of the festival, hundreds of people were exposed and informed to what Hartford Stage had to offer for the Summer of 2006.
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Fifth Annual Women's Fair - June 2006
- A one day informative and entertaining celebration for women of all ages, presented by CBS Radio Hartford and Hartford Hospital.
- Performed at the entrance of the Fair to give summaries, schedules and get attendees educated and energized about the event.
- As a result, attendees were humorously instructed and stimulated about what to see and do at the fair.
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Lower East Side Festival of the Arts - May 2006
- The 11th Annual celebration of the arts in NYC's Lower East Side, organized by the Theater for the New City.
- The Thing Machine was stationed in the theater's lobby on opening night to summarize the festival's schedule for festival-goers.
- Along with the handing out of festival brochures, dozens of attendees were given a quick, funny overview of what was awaiting them at the festival.
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CPTV Family Science Expo - April 2006
- CPTV's 15th Annual science event that provides children with an experience to spark an enthusiasm for the sciences.
- The Metropolitan District Commission hired me to perform in their booth for two days to demonstrate how the sewer system works.
- My performances educated hundreds of families on the sewer system process, and proved how vital the MDC is to all our lives.
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First Night Hartford 2006 - December 2005
- During Hartford, CT's Annual New Year's Eve celebration, Hartford Stage hired me to promote their plays as they hosted family-oriented activities.
- In between the performances of an Irish fiddle player, I promoted the upcoming Eugene O'Neill play in a family-friendly, Irish-oriented skit.
- In between screenings of "Classic Comedy Reels," I promoted the Spring plays of 2006 so that both kids and adults were amused and intrigued.
- HSC's upcoming plays were advertised to dozens of First-Nighters in a kid-friendly, adult-pleasing manner.
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CultureFest 2005 - September 2005
- One of New York City's largest and most celebrated cultural events, featuring over 100 of NYC's major arts and cultural institutions.
- Hired by the Queens Economic Development Corporation to perform for both days of CultureFest to help promote the borough of Queens.
- Stationed next to the QEDC tent, my skit, "The Soccer Mom Showcase Game Show" promoted key attractions and reasons to visit Queens.
- From the skit and the distribution of brochures and Queens website info., hundreds of people were informed and energized to visit Queens.
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Boats, Books & Brushes with Taste - Sept 2005
- K & M Productions 5th Annual literary, art, maritime and food festival in New London, CT.
- Placed at the entrance of the festival, the Thing Machine informed and updated festival-goers to the activities and attractions taking place at the festival.
- As a result of the performance and the distribution of event programs, hundreds of people were informed and motivated to explore all the events and attractions at the festival.
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Riverfront Recapture - August 2005
- An organization that is restoring and promoting the Riverfront of the Hartford, Connecticut region. The Thing Machine was involved in Riverfront's Lunchtime Busking Program.
- The skit featured a variety of characters, including Billy the Art-Hater and Suzy the Art-Lover to encourage people to see art at museums.
- Lunch-goers were given some quick, funny reasons on why they should spend some time to visit a museum to expand their world.
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Secretary of the State's Office - August 2005
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Agenda Conference & Expo - March 2005
- Agenda Magazine's 6th Annual Conference & Expo for Meeting & Event Planners, held at the New York Marriott Marquis.
- The Thing Machine, stationed at an entrance, informed and entertained attendees about the featured events, speakers and activities taking place at the Expo.
- As a result, attendees were given a quick, fun overview of what to look forward to and expect at the Expo, and key participants and events were highlighted.
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Hartford Stage - December 2004
- Hartford's Tony-winning theater. I promoted their adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" during their "Santa Saturdays" at Hartford's Old
State House. Performed for three Saturdays in a row.
- I performed as "Mr. Theater" - the every-person's guide to the world of theater, to show attendees that Hartford
Stage's "A Christmas Carol" was the best family value for the holiday season.
- With my three performances during "Santa Saturdays," hundreds of potential theater-goers were informed of Hartford Stage's "A Christmas Carol".
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Oktoberfest - October 2004
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The 26th Annual Oktoberfest in Cambridge, MA, sponsored by the Harvard Square Businesss Association.
- I advertised HSBA's website by performing: "Attack of the Martha Stewart Zombies!" about a housewife who saves humanity from Martha Stewart Zombies after visiting harvardsquare.com.
- Hundreds of people were informed of the limitless fun and bargains to be had in Harvard Square by accessing harvardsquare.com's listings of shops, services, events and tourist information.
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Valley Advocate's Grand Band Slam - Sept 2004
- The Springfield area's largest alternative weekly newspaper. I promoted their annual Grand Band Slam, a block-long multi-genre music festival in downtown Springfield.
- Performed in the club district in Springfield, in order to attract the club-going crowd to the Slam.
- To inspire people to visit the Band Slam, our skit was about Rollo and Ignatz, who instead of listening to their MP3's - get out and enjoy the rockin' music at the band slam.
- As a result of my skit and the distribution of postcards, the Band Slam was advertised to dozens of club-goers.
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Taste
of Northampton - August 2004
- Northampton
Massachusetts' 11th Annual Food Festival.
- Working
in conjunction with the Valley
Advocate and the Northampton
Chamber of Commerce, the Thing Machine promoted
the Valley Advocate's Grand Band Slam.
- To prove how the
Band Slam would appeal to everyone, I performed
as Dr. Cool, who gives his patients a prescription
to the Band Slam to fill their lives full of music
and fun.
- The
Band Slam was advertised to hundreds of people, who
were shown that the Slam was the place to be for a
rockin' good time.
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Hartford
Advocate's Grand Band Slam - August 2004
- Hartford's
largest alternative
weekly newspaper. I advertised their 10th Annual
Grand Band Slam, a multi-block, multi-genre music
event in downtown Hartford.
- Performed
in Old
State House Square in Hartford during a lunch
hour.
- My
skit was about the Super Duper Super Hero Family,
who discovers the Band Slam after trying to find a
music event that will please them all.
- The
skit informed Hartford's lunch-goers of the Band Slam,
and the wide variety of music and fun times awaiting
them there.
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Hartford
Advocate's Grand Band Slam - July 2004
- Hartford's
largest
alternative weekly newspaper. I advertised their
10th Annual Grand Band Slam, a multi-block multi-genre
music event in downtown Hartford.
- Performed
in the club district in Hartford, in order to attract
the club-going crowd to the Slam.
- My
skit was about Rollo and Ignatz, who instead of listening
to their MP3's, get out and enjoy the rockin' music
at the band slam.
- As
a result of our skit and the distribution of flyers,
the Band Slam was advertised to dozens of club-goers.
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The
Edge Fringe Festival - June 2004
-
A two-week long cutting-edge
arts festival produced in association with the
International
Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven, CT.
- During
an Edge event, the Thing Machine advertised the Edge's
"Music In The Street !" scheduled to take
place the next week.
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I performed as Dr. Cool to show the audience
that "Music In The Street !" had all the
music, art & entertainment anyone would ever need.
- Helped
by my skit and the distribution of flyers and website
information, "Music In The Street !" was
advertised to dozens of people in a few hours time.
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Taste
of Hartford - June 2004
- Hartford's
22nd Annual celebration of food, music & entertainment.
- I
promoted Hartford
Stage - Hartford's Tony-winning theater to advertise
their season.
- My
skit was about how the Super Duper Super Hero Family
takes a break from saving the world to soak up some
culture at Hartford Stage.
- From
my performance, festival-goers were shown the great
cultural possibilities awaiting them at Hartford Stage.
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Mayfair
- May 2004
- The
21st Annual Mayfair in Cambridge, MA, sponsored by
the Harvard
Square Business Association.
- I
demonstrated how the HSBA website can invigorate people's
lives by performing as Dr. Cool - The Doctor
of Cool, who taught the audience how to be cool and
lead a cool life by using harvardsquare.com.
- The
crowd was informed of the limitless fun and bargains
to be had in Harvard
Square by accessing harvardsquare.com's
listings of shops, services, events, and tourist information.
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Solomon
R. Guggenheim Museum - December 2003
- The
famed Frank
Lloyd Wright-designed museum in New York City and
one of the world's leading cultural institutions.
- I
was part of the Guggenheim's Annual Family Holiday
Party and was hired to promote the museum's after-school
programs. My skit was about Timmy - the Clueless
Teenager, who finds the confidence to try his luck
in the art world after taking an after-school class
at the Guggenheim.
- The
skit informed the families of the many after-school
programs that the museum has to offer and the countless
and inspiring things that could be learned there.
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CBGB's
- November 2003 ENCORE PERFORMANCE!!
- The
legendary Rock 'N' Roll club in New York City.
- I
promoted their website by telling the story of Billy,
who is inspired to become a rock star after learning
of CBGB's
history and of the many legendary bands that got their
start there; such as the Ramones, Blondie, Talking
Heads, Tom Petty, Patti Smith and countless others.
- As
a result, the audience learned that viewing the website
was the next best thing to going to CBGB's itself,
and a ideal way to visit their online store, view
cybercasts, live streams and engage in CBGB's chat
rooms, message boards and even sign up to receive
email updates.
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Newbury
Street and Back Bay Guide - Nov 2003
ENCORE PERFORMANCE!!
- The
leading newspaper/website guide to culture and the
arts in the Back
Bay section of Boston.
- I
became "Dr. Cool - The Doctor of Cool."
He meets the Superduper Family, a family of superheroes
bored with saving the world. Dr. Cool educates them
on all that the Back Bay Guide has to offer - so that
they'll get the most out of life and enjoy being superheroes
once again.
- As
a result, people (and the Superduper Family) were
informed of the Back Bay Guide's website and their
helpful articles, tips, contests and events listings.
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CBGB's
- October 2003
- The
legendary Rock 'N' Roll club in New York City.
- I
promoted their website by telling the story of Billy,
who is inspired to become a rock star after learning
of CBGB's
history and of the many legendary bands that got their
start there; such as the Ramones, Blondie, Talking
Heads, Tom Petty, Patti Smith and countless others.
- As
a result, the audience learned that viewing the website
was the next best thing to going to CBGB's itself,
and a ideal way to visit their online store, view
cybercasts, live streams and engage in CBGB's chat
rooms, message boards and even sign up to receive
email updates.
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Oktoberfest
- October 2003
- The
25th Annual Oktoberfest in Cambridge, MA, sponsored
by the Harvard
Square Business Association;
and the Thing Machine's fourth performance for them.
- I
promoted how the HSBA website can enliven people's
lives by having Dr. Cool - The Doctor of Cool, show
the Superduper Superhero Family that life is more
than just stopping mad scientists and wayward asteroids
by using harvardsquare.com.
- The
audience (and the Superdupers) were informed of harvardsquare.com's
services, events listings, shops and tourism information.
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Boston
Event Guide - September 2003
- The
most comprehensive
website for young professionals in the Boston
area to find information about local happenings, VIP
Parties and Special Events.
- To
promote their website, I performed: "Your
Girlfriend Just Dumped You! - The Gameshow for the
Broken-Hearted." The skit featured contestants
who took on life-threatening stunts to find
true love, only to discover that BEG is the smartest
way to find exciting social events and romance.
- The
skit informed the audience of the dozens of BEG's
services, such as interactive events listings; club,
restaurant & bar scene info, email events updates,
meet your match, contests and countless other ways
to improve your social life.
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Bostonfashion.com
- August 2003
- The
only website covering everything about modeling in
Boston.
- My
skit was about Brenda The Beautiful Person who wants
to be a model. She's helped by Fabrizio - World-Famous
Hand Model. He uses Bostonfashion.com
to guide her through the ins and outs of modeling
in Boston.
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Bostonfashion.com's website was advertised to dozens
of people who were shown how helpful BFC is if you
want to be a model or be part of the modeling scene
in Boston.
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Newbury
Street and Back Bay Guide - July 2003
- The
leading newspaper/website guide to fashion, culture
and the arts in the Back Bay section of Boston.
- I
became "Dr. Cool - The Doctor of Cool."
He meets the Superduper Family, a family of superheroes
bored with saving the world. Dr. Cool educates them
on all that the
Back Bay Guide has
to offer - so that they'll get the most out of life
and enjoy being superheroes once again.
- As
a result, people (and the Superduper Family) were
informed of the Back Bay Guide's helpful articles,
tips, contests and events listings.
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Mayfair
- May 2003
- The
20th Annual Mayfair in Cambridge, MA. sponsored by
the Harvard
Square Business Association.
- I
promoted how the HSBA website can enrich people's
lives, and the variety of attractions of the fair.
- My
skit was about the Sputz family, who has nothing to
entertain their guests with; so Billy, the Spaced-Out
Teenager, finds exciting shops, services and events
on the HSBA's website. I also portrayed Hank, the
Rock N' Roll Dude, who keeps missing concerts; but
once he finds the events listings on the HSBA's site,
he's a new man.
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Hartford
Stage - December 2002
- Hired
by the Hartford
Stage - Hartford's Tony-winning theatre
to promote their adaption of "A Christmas Carol"
and their theatre season.
- Performed
for two days. Included in "Santa Saturdays,"
a family event in downtown Hartford where children
could sit on Santa's lap & get their picture taken
with him.
- To
interest families into seeing the plays, I performed
"Attack of the Boring Relatives!" About
a family who repeats the same dull holiday routine
for years - and how a visit to the Hartford Stage
finally cures their boredom!
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Oktoberfest
- October 2002
- The
24th Annual Oktoberfest in Cambridge, MA. sponsored
by the Harvard
Square Business Association.
- Advertised
the HSBA's website and the events of Oktoberfest.
- To
get the message across, I created a skit full of
amusing characters - featuring Marge (a.k.a.) Supermom
- who stopped an alien invasion with her tapioca pudding;
and Mr. Meatloaf - President of The International
Meatloaf Society.
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Cambridge
River Fest - June 2002
- The
24th Annual Arts Festival hosted by the Cambridge
Arts Council.
- Performed
at intersection of J.F.K. Street and Memorial Drive
to "capture" passers-by to visit the festival.
- To
accomplish the job, I became "Captain Culture"
- Superhero for the arts, whose adventures motivated
people to attend the festival.
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Connecticut
Historical Society - June 2002
- The
Thing Machine's second year at CHS.
- Included
in "Parade the Circle" - a family event.
- Informed
the audience of all the fun and educational programs
at CHS.
- Characters
from the 2001 show reappeared:"Sid, the (Used)
Time Machine Salesman," "Billy, the spaced-out
teenager," and "Caveman Ug" to illustrate
the excitement awaiting families at CHS.
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Mayfair
- May 2002
- The
19th Annual Street Fair in Cambridge, MA sponsored
by the Harvard
Square Business Association.
- Hired
to promote HSBA's website - specifically to inspire
people to view the site to look up events in Harvard
Square.
- Kid's
Rides Moved! After many years of being in various
locations, the kid's rides had been shifted to a central
spot. I created a humorous skit informing families
where to go.
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The
Big E - September 2001
- A
Multi-State New England Fair - over 80 years old.
- The
Thing Machine's THIRD Big E.
- Performed
in front of the "Connecticut Building" to
promote the Connecticut
Historical Society.
- CHS
Brochures were placed nearby to take during the performance.
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New
York International Fringe Festival - August 2001
- An
avant-garde, cutting edge theater
festival.
- Performed
for two days.
- Part
of the "Busking Bonanza" in Tompkins Square
Park.
- Twenty-five
street performers were involved.
- The
Thing Machine advertised the Bonanza and the acts
involved.
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17th
Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival - August 2001
- A
family-oriented festival in Charlestown, Rhode Island.
- Performed
for two days
- Advertised
all the events and activities.
- Created
"Chef Louie" and "Frank - the Guy Who
Hates Fish" characters to connect the show together.
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Connecticut
Historical Society - June 2001
- Included
in "Parade the Circle" - a family event.
- Informed
the audience of CHS's
Genealogical Library and how they could
research their family tree.
- Created
"Sid, the (Used) Time Machine Salesman,"
"Billy, the spaced-out teenager," and "Caveman
Ug" to demonstrate different CHS programs.
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Film
Fest New Haven - April 2001
- Promoted
the films and the events of the day; advertised their
sponsors-New
Haven Film Fest.
- Set
up on the New Haven Green to attract people who might
not have known about the festival.
- Informed
families of available kids activities.
- Lead
character was "Melvin - the Guy Who Hates Movies."
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The
Big E - September 2000
- Performed
for two days.
- Set
up in the "Connecticut Building" to promote
State attractions and encourage tourism.
- Advertised
the Peabody Museum and the Beardsley Zoo.
- Created
"Mr. Question Man " and "Col. Fulnose
-World-Famous Explorer" to enliven the show.
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Operation
Sail 2000 Connecticut - July 2000
- A
Multi-State Tall Ships Extravaganza to celebrate the
New Millennium.
- I
was hand-picked by the Connecticut
Office of Tourism to perform.
- Performed
for two days to promote places to visit in Connecticut.
- Promoted
the Trolley Museum and the Beardsley Zoo.
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Bradley
Airport - March 2000
- Set
up at the Bradley Welcome Center - near the center
of the airport.
- Advertised
the Bradley Welcome Center and interesting places
to visit near the airport.
- Encouraged
visitors to pick up free Connecticut travel brochures
in an effort to promote tourism.
- Skit
included "Mr. Answer Man," and the heart-warming
epic: "The Trials of Melvin."
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The
Big E - October 1999
- Set
up in the "Connecticut Building" to promote
State attractions and encourage tourism.
- Promoted
the Mark Twain House, Dinosaur State Park and the
Discovery Museum.
- Created
"Timmy - the Time Machine-building Fourth Grader,"
to act as a guide.
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Wadsworth
Atheneum - March 1999
- Performed
during March First Thursday - an "open house"
day to attract new patrons.
- Advertised
art "products" - i.e.: " Cubist Cornflakes,"
etc.
- Informed
audience of the museum's children's programs.
- Advertised
the Greater Hartford Arts Council's arts discount
Dot Card.
- Handed
out free Dot Card brochures.
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