A boisterous clown school recently was sponsored by Granite State Clowns, a Nashua nonprofit founded in the 1980s whose organization of a dozen or so members is credentialed as Clowns of America International Alley 190 and World Clown Association member No. 88357.

Clown school, hosted Thursdays May 19 through June 23, was presented at St. James United Methodist Church’s spacious function hall in Merrimack. The program was a part of the SJUMC Community Arts Ministry. Locals attending learned clown craft — showmanship studded with big shoes, floppy hats and clown makeup.

“We are a group dedicated to teaching and sharing the art of clowning,” said Barbara “Cracker Jacks the Clown ” Foristall, a GSC member from Merrimack. “The grads earned a march with us in Merrimack’s Fourth of July Parade.”

The grads earning embossed certificates and a party cake included Sarah “Sunshine” Murai and her son, Carter “Topper” Murai, both of Bedford, along with Betty Ann “Betty Ann” Dudziak, of Manchester, and Gabriel “Hassell” Jenkins of Merrimack. Each had selected a clown name and a wardrobe designed to fit an adopted personality.

New Hampshire Chronicle WMUR-TV’s Karen Meyers and videographer Paul Falco, captured images for future broadcast of clowns with marionettes, puppets and soap bubbles.

Graduate Gabriel, age 11 and entering sixth grade, said he will call himself “Hassell” when clowning at public events, charity benefits, school festivities and other gatherings. Hassell is a road name that caught his fancy and comically relates to “Hassle,” an irritation or nuisance.

“The clown school has been really fun,” Gabriel said. “I’ve learned a lot and I liked the chance to learn something new and different.”

Granite State Clowns, an appreciated presence over the years at countless celebrations and charity events, can be contacted online: granitestateclowns.com.

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