Former NFL player among new members of Marblehead arts board

MARBLEHEAD – One of the three new members of the Marblehead Cultural Council appears ready to defend the arts.Marshall Harris, a 13-year Marblehead resident, is a former defensive player for the NFL. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1980-1982 and the New England Patriots in 1983. He also played with the New Jersey Generals in the United States Football League, and has served as a volunteer football coach in town.Selectmen appointed Harris, Joanne Johnston and Walter Horan last week.Harris owns a graphic design company in town and creates works of art from a variety of material.Johnston is a retired Bell School teacher and travel agent who described herself as a supporter of the arts. Horan is a poll worker and retired GE financial manager.They will join Chairman Ava Lawrence, Sandra Broughton, Joan Hollister, Georgia Murray, Howard Rosenkrantz and Carol Booth on the 10-member panel, which still has one opening.The council is scheduled to meet at 7 this evening at the Marblehead Community Center.The Marblehead Cultural Council received funding each year from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and uses the money to award grants that support community cultural activities.The council accepts applications from individuals, schools, arts organizations and humanities organizations. Grant applications are usually due by Oct. 16 and the process is publicized in newspapers, fliers and the council Web site. The council meets about six times a year – once a month from August to November, with two more meetings generally held between December and July.