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Progress
A publication of
ARTS & COMMUNITY | Sunday, march 25, 2012
Making it work Arts Council works to keep funds flowing BY BRANDEE A. THOMAS
bthomas@gainesvilletimes.com
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Gainesville watercolor group adds to area’s rich arts Watercolor artists Jo Tarabula, left, and Robert Krainson have formed a new art group in the area, the Gainesville Watercolor Society. SCOTT ROGERS The Times
By Tasha Biggers For The Times
For Gainesville watercolorist Jo Tarabula, teaching art to others has to come with a degree of ingenuity. “Just because you explain something, and they can’t understand it, doesn’t mean they can’t understand it,” she said. “It means you must think of a better way to explain it, and that’s the whole idea of teaching.” Tarabula, 88, and Gillsville portraitist Robert Krainson both plan to use their skills to head the Gainesville Watercolor Society, a newly formed group that had its
Gainesville Watercolor Society If you would like to join, contact Robert Krainson at 786-208-4320 or email cranberrys2@hotmail.com.
inaugural meeting March 18. The society will give beginning or established artists an opportunity to learn watercolor painting skills with monthly meetings, classes and intensive workshops. It will donate a portion of its profits to Our Neighbor Inc., a Gainesville nonprofit that ■ Please see color, 3
Revenue streams may be not be flowing as freely as before, but the Arts Council isn’t letting that stop its show. “Government funding has been cut dramatically over the last few years, but that has always been a very minor part of our revenue,” said Gladys Wyant, council executive director. “We depend largely on the general public for support through memberships, sponsorships and ticket sales.” The group also generates revenue from renting its Gainesville facilities — the Smithgall Arts Center on Spring Street and the Arts Council Performing Arts Complex on Green Street. “We like to utilize our assets to help the community,” Wyant said. “It’s a win-win. Not only do they get to enjoy a historic and beautiful setting, but the rental income also helps support our programs and budget.” Even with those multiple sources of green, the council is still seeing red ink. “Our funds are down. With the downturn in the economy, I don’t think we’re alone in this,” Wyant said. “This is the first time we have had a deficit in my 28 years of service, but it’s not something we can’t overcome. During our strategic planning, we outlined an emergency plan to ensure during those rainy days, we didn’t have to close. “We feel very fortunate to be in this position because so many arts organizations have had to close their doors.” To help keep themselves afloat, the group is considering breaking new ground. “We may be looking at developing a fundraiser for the first time,” Wyant said. “Although most nonprofits have fundraisers, we normally try to raise our operational funds through other means. Some people use concerts to raise funds, but that doesn’t necessarily work for us because concerts are a regular part of what we do.” Based on precedent, a concert wouldn’t boost the council’s coffers anyway. “The general public probably doesn’t realize this, but most of our concerts don’t pay for themselves through ticket sales,” Wyant said. “We depend a lot on the generosity of our sponsors.” ■ Please see ARTS, 3
‘This is the first time we have had a deficit in my 28 years of service, but it’s not something we can’t overcome. During our strategic planning, we outlined an emergency plan to ensure during those rainy days, we didn’t have to close.’ Gladys Wyant The Arts Council executive director
Better living
H SCOTT ROGERS | The Times
all County has a lot to offer, whether you are looking for a place to get fit and stay fit, or a resource for environmental education and sustainable living. The Oakwood YMCA is enjoying its first year in its new home with lots of classes and opportunity for wellness. See page 3 for details. On page 4, the Cedar Hill Enrichment Center is helping more people grow their own food and learn ways to make more out of less. At left, The YMCA’s newest facility in Hall County is in Oakwood on Railroad Street at City Park and offers playgrounds, a gym and wellness center and swimming pool.
INSIDE: Find area volunteer opportunities and support groups, 4-5