Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill

In 1971, Truro's Snow Farm was little more than a run-down oldbarn in need of repair. Over the past 38 years, Snow Farm has been transformed into the Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill. The center has flourished due to the efforts of committed local artists, determined to bring art to the community--and the community to art.

Castle Hill began as a summer school with art classes, before evolving into a year-round facility serving enthusiasts of all ages. Today, the center offers workshops, classes, and special programs in numerous disciplines, from abstract painting to poetry.

Executive Director Cherie Mittenthal says she constructs a curriculum each year based on what she believes the community will enjoy. "I try to make it fresh with new people," she says. In 2009, Castle Hill will offer over 100 classes, bringing in such artists as Alison Saar, (mixed media); Joel Meyerowitz, (photography); and Maxine Kumin, (former Poet Laureate).

In 2009, in addition to workshops, kids and teens classes, exhibitions, and lectures, Castle Hill will be involved with Truro's Tercentennial Celebration taking place this summer.

Castle Hill also sponsors an Artists in Schools program, bringing professional artists into public schools and the center works with the Art Institute of Boston and Cape Cod Community College to offer art students' courses for credit. Also, many of the center's events are open free to the public. "Everything is multi-purpose," says Erin Woodbrey, manager of print-making. "We can make a lot happen." ­-- Andrea Shedlock

Truro Center for the Arts, 10 Meetinghouse Road, Truro, MA 508-349-7511, www.castlehill.org.

Andrea Shedlock was an editorial intern at Cape Cod Life Publications.