DPAP Announces 2008 Program

DPAP, which stands for the Decorative Painting Apprenticeship Program, was formed by Bernadette Forese of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania and Marlow and Brita DeMars of Lebanon, Connecticut. It is a relatively new organization, founded in 2006, with it's primary goal being the restoration of public spaces while providing educational venues for the development of emerging and established artisans within the decorative painting field. Students work closely with some of the industry's leading experts in the field to execute various design plans for each years project for a nominal fee. The uniqueness of their program lies in the "on the site" experience students take away from the classes, as well as the obvious benefits to the community being worked on.

They have just announced the new project for 2008, in which they will be aiding in the recovery of the New Orleans area (City Park in New Orleans to be exact). There are several structures within City Park, the 1,300-acre historic botanical garden and multi-use recreational public park, to be worked on. One such landmark is the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park where they will restore the interior carousel area. (The antique carousel is one of only 100 wooden carousels in the country and the last one in Louisiana.)

"City Park dates to 1854 and is distinguished by its diverse recreational facilities, beautiful architecture and its natural beauty. The grounds are home to the New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Gardens, the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, an old-time amusement park, leisure boating, tennis and golf facilities, equestrian barns, and open parkland. The park is the largest recreation area for the New Orleans metropolitan area and it suffered greatly in Hurricane Katrina. It has been a long road to get City Park back to pre-Katrina days. Many of the attractions have been rebuilt and restored and are now open to the public." (source)

As an added benefit for those interested in participating, the decorative painting and restoration apprenticeship classes will coincide with the celebration of Mardi Gras and The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

To contact DPAP or sign up for classes:

Above: class given by Kim Senior

Decorative Painting Apprenticeship Program, LLC
106 Sean Drive
Kennett Square, PA
19348
E-Mail: info@dpap.org