Arts Central, the umbrella non-profit organization for Art Station, VanGo and Artists in Schools programs, closed after nearly 40 years of providing arts education and advocacy services in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties. The current board says the organization need $150,000 to continue.
All Arts Station programming closed Friday, August 19. The board of directors reported they made the decision after continued attempts to reduce operating costs and increase funding. The Art Station was Central Oregon’s only non-profit visual arts school, reaching students of all ages, skill levels and economic means every year, in a place where there are no wrong answers. With a wide variety of adult, child and family offerings ranging from one-day classes to ongoing Art Academies to birthday parties, there were many ways for students to access the excitement of expressing themselves through the artistic process.
At the time of the closing only four board members remained: Bert Kronmill, Alyce Dawes, Cindy Briggs and Marsha Stout. Former board members, including Brenda Komar, Sharon Calhoun, Gary Chandler, Susan Harkness-Williams, Tammy Baney, Ex Officio and Paula Johanson, Ex Officio, had already resigned during the past year.
Former Executive Director Cate O’Hagan concluded her 20 year career at the helm of Arts Central in April. At the time of the resignation O’Hagan said she was resigning in order to pursue new career adventures. Later O’Hagan said she was not in agreement with the direction of the current board. In May the board of directors announced that Deborah Allen, education director at Art Station, had accepted the position as Art Central’s interim executive director.
Kronmiller, serving as board chair, noted, “The board of directors is quite confident of Deborah’s capabilities to serve dual roles as education director at Art Station and interim executive director of Arts Central. The board will assist her during the transition process to ensure the continuity and integrity of the organization.”
Kronmiller says that Deborah had demonstrated solid leadership during her tenure at Art Station, developing new and enhanced arts programs benefitting Central Oregon’s youth, educators and the broader community. “She has significantly expanded Art Station’s reach as well as evolving Artists in Schools and VanGo,” he noted.
But last week’s closure turned to a different tone: “Although programming revenue has rebounded to pre-recession levels, unfortunately, it is not sufficient to continue to support the organization,” said Kronmiller. “This was a difficult decision for all of us. We love our patrons, teachers and other supporters, but the current environment is not sustainable.”
The Art Station receives revenue from program enrollment. Allen has increased the revenue from enrollment over the last four years. Despite this increase, the Art Station relies heavily on public funding including individual contributions, sponsorships and grants to subsidize operating costs. Board members said the availability of this public funding has decreased over the last several years.
Lack of adequate support and funding from the Oregon Arts Commission and Oregon Cultural Trust were cited as contributing factors to the closer.
“Deborah has done an excellent job working with the board and others to raise funding in a difficult environment. Despite our exemplary work, we have found incoming donations and grant awards to be less than anticipated,” said Kronmiller. “We have also had incredible support from others in the neighborhood, including William Smith Properties, who has subsidized the current property lease the last several years.”
According to Arts Central Treasurer Alyce Dawes the cost to run Arts Central is approximately $300,000 a year with approximately 40 percent ($120,000) of that being earned income and the remaining $180,000 from grants and donations. She reported that in order to reboot the organization at this time and have a head start in 2017 it would require approximately $150,000.
The lease for the current location will expire in 2017, requiring a new location for Art Station. Equipment and supplies will be liquidated to help cover closure and other expenses.
“The Art Station has been a second home for our family as a place to make new friends and find unique, creative and educational activities for my children. I’ve also enjoyed many of the enriching adult art classes connecting with Central Oregon artists from novice to professionals.” said Heather Daines, local parent and patron.
Arts Central has been a part of the community for almost 40 years and had previously closed satellite locations to reduce costs and streamline operating procedures.
“Many lives have been touched over the years, including my own, by this organization,” said Cindy Briggs, board member and art instructor, “The Art Station has been an engaging, creative environment for many children, adults and families and we thank all of our patrons, sponsors and donors who have supported us over the years.”
Contact: Bert Kronmiller, Board of Directors, 541-706-9312, bertk3@bendbroadband.com
