100th Donor to The Blood in this Town Will Receive Peter Huntoon Print

RUTLAND - One lucky donor who supports “The Blood in this Town” will soon own a piece from “this town’s” artistic royalty.

Renowned Rutland artist Peter Huntoon has generously donated a watercolor print, “Fall on Center” to “The Blood in this Town,” the documentary-in-progress about Rutland, its record-breaking blood drive, and the city’s revitalization. As part of the film’s fundraising campaign, the donated print will be awarded to the 100th person who makes a contribution to support the film.

Huntoon’s “Fall on Center” depicts an autumn scene on Center Street, downtown Rutland’s main thoroughfare. The donation will offer the film’s 100th supporter the opportunity to own a piece of Vermont while helping “The Blood in this Town” meet its fundraising goals.

The print can be seen at www.peterhuntoon.com/Fall-on-Center.html . Donations to “The Blood in this Town” can be made at www.bloodinthistown.com.

Since 1994, Peter Huntoon has been a working watercolor painter hailing from Rutland, and his paintings are in collections worldwide. Huntoon’s works are inspired by the unique scenery and countryside of New England. Regularly exhibiting his painting throughout Vermont, Huntoon has said of his hometown, “A native of Rutland, I have grown up believing in this great city and enjoying everything it has to offer.” Huntoon is donating the watercolor print in support of the film’s production and the city’s future.

“The Blood in this Town” is an 80-minute documentary-in-progress that tells the story of a post-industrial, blue-collar city on hard times, much like thousands of towns across America, searching for answers. The difference is that in this town, the community comes together one day a year to give blood – enough blood to break all New England, if not national records.

The documentary focuses on an embattled city’s unique response to the needs of others – and their own. It is a visceral pulling-together of a community to meet extraordinary goals. It is about a town, its people and the vital, near- indomitable spirit that runs through it - a spirit capable of leading Rutland forward again.

The documentary is scheduled for completion and release in Fall 2010.