'Windows Of Opportunity' Offer Glimpse into Past; Hope for Future

DETROIT, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center is pleased to present the "Windows of Opportunity," which will be on display at the Detroit Historical Museum's Community Gallery Oct. 11 through Dec. 28, 2014. The exhibit is a series of Mother Goose nursery rhyme -themed stained glass windows that were created for the Center in 1929 and offer viewers a peek into the past, while promoting the future. 

Celebrating 170 years of service to Southeastern Michigan, St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher (SVSF) Center's secret to longevity is that it has evolved as the needs of the community have changed, but has always stayed true to its mission of serving others. "Learning from the past is imperative to move forward," explains Diane Renaud, Executive Director/CEO of the Center. "These windows are a beautiful representation of the opportunities we have provided to the children and families of our area, for generations." 

The three-month long exhibit shares the artistry and details of the windows, including the background of the different nursery rhymes, the history of the Center and the transition to its current services, through a mix of art, information and an interactive kiosk. The exhibit will highlight 18 stained glass windows, featuring childhood favorites such as Little Bo Peep, Jack and Jill and a wide range of others. Guests will also be able to view the original drawings that the windows were created from -- rarely seen outside of a studio -- and can enter the free "Win a Window" drawing for a limited edition, authentic reproduction of the Little Bo Peep window.  Unique retail pieces have been created to accompany the exhibit and all sales will benefit the Center to help continue to provide free services to the community. 

"We are excited to share what we are doing to support residents through our free educational programs for both children and adults, to obtain self-sufficiency through education," says Diane Renaud. 

Admission is free and open to the public. The Detroit Historical Museum is open Tuesday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The exhibit will be located on second floor, in the Community Gallery.

For more information, visit http://www.svsfcenter.org/windows

St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center began in 1844 as St. Vincent's Academy in Detroit, a kindergarten for orphaned children. The organization evolved through the years and moved to Farmington Hills, establishing an adoption/foster care residence for children. In 2006, when policies and the economy changed, the Center closed its residential doors, but wanted to continue to fulfill its mission of serving at-risk children and adults. Identifying the significant need, the Center returned to Detroit and its roots of education and now provides free, personalized educational support for children and adults. These programs are designed to help build self-sufficiency skills for academic and employment success, personal achievement and dignity.

Contact:
Sue Voyles, 734-667-2005 / [email protected]
Diane Renaud, (313) 535-9200 / [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140806/134100

SOURCE St. Vincent and Sarah Fisher Center