Operating Support
ACHF Arts Access ACHF Arts Education ACHF Cultural Heritage
Specific goals are 1) to engage architect Nelson to give Art of the Lakes options for increasing the visibility of the interior of the gallery during hours the gallery is open and address space needs ensuring adequate display and education space, and 2) to continue to fund a part-time employee for administrative work, leaving members time and energy to achieve the mission of the organization. Art of the Lakes evaluates its activities through several means, including evaluation forms for its workshops, attendance at events, such as Studio Tour and Art and Craft Affair, and visits to the gallery. In 2015, Art of the Lakes invited West Central Initiative to lead members in a planning session, looking back at what was working well and what could be improved and looking forward to identify three priorities for 2016-2017.
On all accounts - membership, event and gallery attendance, finances, and equipment upgrades, 2016 was a good year. Membership increased to 140; 12 workshops offered were full; 56 artists participated in the annual studio tour; 95 vendors and nearly 5,000 fair goers attended the 39th Art and Craft Affair. In addition to annual programming, Art of the Lakes held a reception and two open houses with good community attendance. Display artists were able to display and sell art in the gallery, at Phelps Mill Festival, and the Art and Craft Affair. The gallery received 7000 visits during the summer season with annual sales of $40,000. A fundraising drive yielded 26 ArtPartners and about $4,000. Art of the Lakes upgraded its sales system from paper and pencil to SHOPKEEP, purchased a new computer, and a TV on which to show art videos. A group of artists continued to meet weekly at the gallery or the State Park. Art of the Lakes participated in Battle Lake's 125th celebration though an Art of the Lakes project grant.
Other, local or private