Keep the Dream Alive at Arts on Grand

(Photo submitted) Zoe Blake participates in a class at Arts on Grand. Arts on Grand teaches art year-round to students of all ages.

Arts on Grand is calling on the community to help with a fund-raising blitz dubbed "Keep the Dream Alive." A recent budget meeting of the Spencer Area Arts Council, which finds its home at Arts on Grand, brought to attention the need for operational funds for the art gallery.

"To succeed today, Arts on Grand must master many different roles to become a place that anchors community life and brings people together," Mary Rahn, president of the Spencer Area Arts Council said.

The kick-off of the blitz will be the Equinox Rocks concert event featuring Clark Marshall and friends from 7-9 p.m., March 20 in the Arts on Grand gallery. The blitz will continue with a telethon event held on SMU Channel 3 from 1-5 p.m., April 6. Then a free "thank-you" concert will be held at Arts on Grand 7-9 p.m., April 10 featuring Glenn Henriksen.

"It is very easy to support Arts on Grand. Access to the exhibit space is free and membership fees are very low to encourage people's involvement in the arts," Rahn said.

Arts on Grand is much more than just a gallery space, but a place for live music, children's and adult art classes, art camps, a pottery studio open to any member and outreach programs through area schools. Arts on Grand was an important part of bringing excellent additions to the community such as Bogenrief Studio, the Curiel Reynolds School of Visual Arts and artists such as Chad Elliott, Anita Gilbert and Anthony Vodraska.

"Arts on Grand is an institution that has proven its worth over the years and has been successful in its mission to make the arts accessible to everyone. Funding is central to achieving this mission," Rahn said.

A basic membership to Arts on Grand is only $25 for an individual and $10 for a student. A family can become a member of Arts on Grand for just $35 and an artist can join for $15. The Keep the Dream Alive fund-raising blitz will be seeking donations on several levels including basic membership. The donation levels include, "Friends" at $50, "Contributors" at $100, "Donors" at $250 and "Patrons" at $500. Any donation amount is appreciated. The goal of the blitz is to raise $20,000 toward operational funds.

"We want to continue to bring excellent arts and culture events to the Spencer area. We are asking your help and support to 'Keep the Dream Alive,'" Rahn said.

To donate funds to Arts on Grand, please call 262-4307 or stop by the gallery at 408 Grand Ave., Spencer. Learn more about available classes and exhibits at www.artsongrand.org.

Arts on Grand is a fine art gallery and home to the Spencer Area Arts Council, a non-profit organization founded in 1979. Arts on Grand is an ArtsLIVE partner.