Photo courtesy of The Art Station
Last week the Bend Park and Recreation District board of directors authorized staff to pursue the possibility of taking over programs previously provided by the recently closed Art Station. The Art Station program was part of Art Central’s offering and is the only portion of the organization being considered by the District.
“Like the rest of the community, we felt the loss of the recent closure of Art Central. With our board of directors’ support, we are in discussions to possibly enter into a program to continue the programs previously provided at the Art Station,” said Don Horton, executive director, Bend Park and Recreation District.
All Arts Station programming closed August 19. The Arts Central 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. 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.
“The Art Central board of directors is very excited that Bend Park and Recreation District is considering assuming Art Station programs. The board and staff have received many heartfelt comments and support from the community, and appreciates all efforts to restore the vital services Art Station provided,” said Bert Kronmiller, Art Central board president.
Bend Park and Recreation District has been a partner of Art Central for 13 years, offering art recreation and education for children and adults at the Art Station and we share many of the same program instructors.
“Creating a program – even when the facility and supplies are readily available – will take some time to organize,” Kronmiller said.
The District will continue discussions about a possible program at the Art Station and expects to have a decision in the coming weeks.
“The viability of this effort will be based on finding a long-term home for the programs and for the program to be financially sustainable,” said Horton.
Bill Smith, managing partner of River Bend Limited Partnership, owner of the Art Station facility, is pleased that the Park District could continue some of the programs and indicated that the District may be able to assume the current lease, which currently runs through the end of this year.
