CHICAGO, IL (May 29, 2007) – Harrington College of Design announced today that Winston Manor Convalescent and Nursing hosted a piano concert on Friday April 13, 2007 to honor the donation of a grand piano by Harrington instructor James Smith. Winston Manor is located at 2155 West Pierce Street in Chicago’s Wicker Park Historic District.

Winston Manor is an intermediate care nursing home that provides custodial care for a diverse mix of both younger and older clients. The historic building was a women’s boarding room through the 1940s.

Smith, who specializes in professional illustration, received his Master of Fine Arts in Painting Degree from Northwestern University. He has been a member of the adjunct faculty at Harrington since 1993 where he teaches rendering and perspective.

“I called professional restoration companies to see if anyone was interested in restoring this 1932 grand and was amazed to learn that pianos are part of our culture’s disposal mind-set,” Smith said. “Apparently people buy new pianos like new cars and throw the old ones away.”

Smith’s adaptive re-use efforts received an enthusiastic response from Shandra Jones, Activity Director for Winston Manor, who jumped at the opportunity. “The clients derive great pleasure from Mr. Smith’s generous donation,” said Jones. “They enjoy playing childhood songs on a daily basis and those who don’t play enjoy listening. Winston Manor is grateful for his support.”

About Harrington College of Design

Harrington College of Design is a four-year college that offers flexible scheduling for a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Interior Design or Digital Photography and a new Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Communication Design. Harrington is committed to creating the next generation of design professionals to lead and serve the global community.

Harrington has been a member of Chicago's design and higher education communities since 1931. Located at 200 W. Madison St., Harrington seeks to foster an environment that maximizes students' intellectual and artistic potential. The majority of the faculty is practicing interior designers, architects, photographers and fine art professionals.

Harrington is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. The college is also an institutional member of the National Association of Schools and Art and Design (NASAD). Harrington is recognized as a private college by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and is authorized by the IBHE to confer baccalaureate and associate degrees. The Interior Design Program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 146 Monroe Center NW, Suite 1318, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2822.

For more information, call 312.939.4975 or visit www.harringtoncollege.com.