Dear Berrien Artist Guild Members and Friends,

Happy New Year!
As I reflect on 2025, I’m filled with gratitude for the Berrien Artist Guild’s many accomplishments.
Thank you to our Box Factory members for supporting us year after year with your time, talent,
and financial commitment. We’re equally grateful to the foundations, businesses, and individual
donors whose grants, sponsorships, and contributions sustain our mission of providing a vibrant
gathering place that nurtures, celebrates, and promotes all creative arts.
Your efforts and affection for the Box are not only appreciated but also evident in our many
successes in 2025.

  • We upgraded our building’s security system to provide a safe environment for all our
    tenants, employees, and volunteers. We continue to monitor this priority.
  •  We secured a permanent Class C liquor license through the State of Michigan. This
    took a lot of hard work and persistence. Now that we have it, we’ve established policies
    and protocols to ensure safe, successful hospitality experiences for all.
  •  Yes, indeed, Marsh Street was torn out and resurfaced! Alleluia! Also, we established an
    annual inspection program and are in the process of getting the roof repaired/replaced,
    as it must be completed in segments because the building is aged. Additionally, we are
    updating our technology systems and changing our bookkeeping processes to improve
    efficiency, manage time more effectively, and reduce costs.
  • Our 30th Anniversary celebration and fundraiser was a HUGE success, raising over
    $30,000. A special thank you to Dan McCrery and Bryan Lubeck for their generosity and
    time, and to all donors—both at the event and throughout the year—who helped us
    achieve our fundraising goals and celebrate this milestone.

We accomplished all of this while maintaining robust programming: six gallery openings
showcasing over 150 artists, 25 entertainment events, and welcoming over 8,700 visitors. Our
Art Market and galleries generated $32,000 in art sales, and we maintained full studio
occupancy with a waitlist.

2026 is going to be another excellent year for the Box Factory – the calendar is filling up fast
with openings, special events, workshops, classes, and so much more.

In closing, on behalf of the Board of Directors, we thank every one of you for your dedication,
generosity, and loyalty to the Box Factory. May your 2026 be blessed and prosperous. We’ll
see you around the Box!

All the best!
Susan D. Solon,
President