We are thrilled to announce that we have received the funding for the $25,000 Directed Grant from the state of North Carolina.
This grant presents us with an incredible opportunity to achieve several important objectives, significantly enhancing our offerings and facilities. The grant was championed by Senator Danny Britt, Jr. Thank you for your efforts and help, Senator Britt!
1. Establish New Classes for Local Youth
One of our primary goals is to enrich the lives of young people in our community through art. As some of you may already be aware, we are partnering with the Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) of Raleigh to provide special summer youth programs. These programs will offer local students the opportunity to participate in art classes led by professionals provided by CAM, in conjunction with their Emerging Rural Artists program (CAMERA). These classes provide an opportunity for young people and emerging artists to learn from a professional instructor who would not otherwise be available locally. CAM will be providing instructors at no charge in Lumberton’s classes, but the state funding will enable us to cover the costs of materials and associated event costs.
2. Upgrading Supplies and Materials
With the grant funds, we will be upgrading our audio-visual supplies and art materials used in our classes and public presentations. This includes essentials such as table easels, palettes, surfaces, and brushes, as well as specialty equipment like framing tools and possibly a kiln. We will be able to expand our outreach and training opportunities with better supplies, and this will allow our local artist community access to tools that may otherwise be out of their reach.
3. Enhancing Accessibility and Functionality of Facility
A significant portion of the state grant will be allocated to completing critical structural work at the Guild House. These structural modifications will allow the Art Guild to accommodate the needs of our handicapped clients and to improve functionality and storage capacity. We plan to consolidate two of the existing bathrooms into one that will be handicap accessible. The third remaining bathroom in the guild will be redesigned to be more accessible and to increase storage space for art supplies by augmenting existing storage and removing a shower. The additional storage space we gain from these modifications will allow us to better handle and protect art materials and tools along with temporary furniture and event supplies. We are incredibly grateful for the support of the state grant, which will enable us to accomplish these important objectives. These enhancements will not only benefit our current members and visitors but will enhance our ability to provide resources and opportunities to our local community.
