Bergen Museum of Art & Science

IMMEDIATE RELEASE • IMMEDIATE RELEASE • IMMEDIATE RELEASE • IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Paramus, NJ—May 11, 2005
Contact: Dorothy Nicklus 201-679-5700
Digital Images on request 201-291-8848

June 16^th 5:30 – 8:30 PM Reception

Miniature Specialist and Artist Jim Bohan

To Receive Film Studio “Building Fund” Gift

The Bergen Museum will host a reception for local artist and retired toy designer Jim Bohan. It will be held in the Main Gallery on the Lower Promenade of the Bergen Mall, Route 4 East and Forest Ave. Paramus, NJ. Jim Bohn will receive a generous gift on behalf of the Museum from Mr. Fred Jones of the Piscataway Chapter of Telcordia Pioneers, an affiliation of Telecom Pioneers. The funds will be used to initiate the building of a replica of the first silent film studio which graced the shores of Fort Lee at the turn of the last century.

The Museum will host an exhibit of Mr. Bohn’s artwork and carvings from June 13^th through August 15^th. Joe Civitarese will also participate in the exhibit with a grouping of his pastels. Mr. Civitarese worked with Jim Bohn on the dollhouse exhibit’s restorations. It consists of a 19^th Century manor house and row of shops. The dollhouses were built by Mr. & Mrs. Leeder of Ridgefield, New Jersey and donated to the Museum by the family.

Many talented volunteers contributed their time to assist Jim in assembling and redecorating the dollhouses, taking great pains to be true to the time period. The Silent Film Studio project will be just as detailed in its design to scale. These efforts are coordinated by Trustee, Terri O’Keefe,” said Museum President Peter Knipe.

The volunteers on the doll house project included Jim Bohan, who redesigned and completely renovated the shops and row houses including the repair of the main plantation house; Joseph Civitarese who designed and constructed a platform for mobility; other volunteers include Larry Handloser, lighting and construction; room decorators Cynthia Summer, Diana Massar and Barbara Robbins. They will be attending the reception to discuss their work.

The June 16^th Reception is free from 5:30 – 8:30 PM.
Refreshments donated by museum volunteers.
Contributions are welcome.

The Bergen Museum; Bergen Mall, Lower Promenade, Route 4 & Forest Ave., Paramus.
Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Admission for all adults is $5, children $3.
Seniors free on Wednesdays and Museum members free.

For more information visit www.thebergenmuseum.com or call 201-291-8848