President’s Letter

During the first half of the year, The Art Center operated as usual – vibrant live art classes, dynamic art exhibitions, and guest artists from across the country offering lectures and workshops. We forged deeper community partnerships with organizations like Grand Junction Writer’s Forum, The Theatre Project, and CMU. And we ended 2019 as one of only twelve arts organizations in the country to receive the Ovation Stand for the Arts Award.

But then came 2020.

With it came the challenges of abiding by our mission while living in a sociallydistanced society. Our mission statement defines us as “a regional arts

organization dedicated to enriching lives by promoting the enjoyment

and understanding of the arts.” By March, it became evident that our usual modes of fulfilling this mission faced an immediate and uncertain future. We immediately began reimagining ways we might remain active in the community during this time by creating classes online and developing art boxes with fun projects for kids and families to do at home. We also produced a streaming theatre experience and began providing virtual tours of our exhibits.

The innovation required to accomplish these new ventures has been both exhausting and thrilling. We believe these innovations have made us a stronger and more vibrant institution. These new modes of presentation were not made to merely maintain the status quo, though I am proud to say we were able to keep our full staff on payroll throughout the entire “Stay at Home” order! Instead, we have focused on this innovation because of a renewed fervor in the importance of our mission statement. During these trying times, we realize how critical it is for us to provide artistic opportunities that improve the quality of life of our community.

Despite the upheaval we have experienced this year, we are actually ending the fiscal year in a strong financial place. However, as we look forward to the 20/21 Fiscal Year, there are many things that remain uncertain. While we are open to the public, our classes must run with class sizes nearly half of normal. We are unsure as to when we will be able to return to our many activities that rely on large crowds. And with this uncertainty, we are more reliant on our supporters than ever before. Won’t you call today to pledge your sponsorship or donation

to ensure our mission continues to thrive? Or maybe it’s time to move your

membership level up to the Circle of 100? Anything you can give will be greatly appreciated, and every little bit helps!

In closing, I would like to thank Lee Borden and our wonderful staff - Matt Jones, Haley Van Camp, Rachel Egelston, Terry Shepherd, Charley Gordon, Keith Brewer, and Anna Walters. Their work has been magnificent during this year, and we are so grateful for each of them. I would like to thank our wonderful volunteers who teach classes, contribute to our numerous working committees, serve as Trustees, raise funds, and support The Art Center by being active members of The Art Center Guild. I would like to thank our many donors who have contributed on all levels to the operational funds and sponsorship of programs.

We certainly have much more work to do, but I feel confident that we can accomplish all this and more if we continue to work together.

Sincerely, Jeremy R. Franklin President, Board of Trustees 4 | WELCOME