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Friends, we are at a financial crossroads. In order to keep our sweet little art center, we have to make some big changes. I've been thinking about this article for a couple of months now, and in my mind, I have formulated the following list of ways that we can painlessly (almost) support our organization.
1. Shop the gallery. You have friends and family and they all want gifts don't they? Well, there's no better place to get a special gift for your special someone. Unique, reasonably priced, and it comes with a story, as in, "yes, I thought you would love this, and it was made by one of my artist friends."
2. Tell everyone about the gallery and the organization. The more members we have, the stronger we are financially and the more we can do in the community. There are still tons of people who say "What? Pinole has an art center? Where is it?"
3. Ask loved ones to donate in your honor. We all have too much stuff, don't we? I know I do. So when people ask me what I want for Christmas, birthday or Mother's Day, I'm going to tell them to "make a small donation to my favorite charity! My beloved church or my beloved Pinole Artisans." It would honor me. Of course, large donations would be acceptable too. If you insist.
4. Collect art for your own enjoyment. We have some really great artists in our group. I've bought several pieces of jewelry, some metal sculptures, boxes, cards, quilts, paintings, photos, pottery, scarves, and other art pieces. When I look around my house and see something made by one of my artists friends, it gives me a really great feeling.
5. Remember Pinole Artisans in your will. Huh? Yeah! Rich people do it all the time. Us un-rich people can do it too! Leave some bucks to Pinole Artisans and your love of art will keep giving after you're gone. Sure your kids will get most of it, but a piece for our organization would be a legacy to be proud of.
6. Make a tax-deductible donation this year! Some of us are not in a position to give money to charity. We're just getting by. I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to those of us who can comfortably afford to put some money in an organization that has brought support and joy by way of art. But since we are a non-profit this is an honorable way to give money for your own benefit! Say "sorry" to Uncle Sam and give what you can.
7. Donate proceeds from a class. Do you teach classes at Pinole Art Center? Consider giving the profits from just one class each year to the Art Center. It's a write-off on your taxes and a great way to say thank you for a nice room to do your teaching.
8. Support our fund-raising events. If there are still seats available for the holiday dinner Friday, December 3, please call Pinole Art Center and make a reservation. I want to fill the hall and I guarantee a great evening of food and fun. And come to all of our events.
I'd like to hear your own ideas about our future. Pinole Art Center will stay alive only if we breathe life into it. It's up to us. Happy Holidays to everyone.
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