RAISE THE BOX AFTERGLOW IN MICHELLE RUMSA’S WORDS

Thank you for helping us reach our goal during “Raise the Box,” our very first online art auction fundraiser. We exceeded our goal of raising $5,000 with a grand total of $5,157! We can’t thank our donors enough for supporting the Berrien Artist Guild at the Box Factory for the Arts.

As you know, our galleries are closed and our stage is dark; yet, we continue to explore innovative ways to provide fine art and performances to our community. We couldn’t do it without the expertise and volunteer help of so many. Please join me in thanking those who worked tirelessly to make this goal a reality. 

We’re grateful for the leadership and insight of the Executive Board, Judy Sokolowski, Scott Gane, Rose Narregan and Linda Cooper, the Board of Directors, Bret Witkowski, Dennis Gast, Jane Rush, Jennifer Tomshack, Stephen Smith and Susan Solon.  I’m thankful to the volunteer committee whose collective skills and willing spirit were invaluable, Kate Ulery, Carol Myers, Betsy Gill, Nicole Brown, Denise Barcowicz, John Bougearal, Kristin Hosbein, Breeze Ettl, and Lynn Christiano. 

The event would not have been the same without the talent of Ed Bagatini and the Revival of the Cool, a Jazz Tenette and the behind the video and audio skills of Bryan Lubeck and his audio/ video editors. Thank you! 

Thank you to all the artists who donated beautiful pieces of art and for sharing stories during the live events. This was truly an art gallery of talent and creativity! 

Many thanks to our sponsors and the community: St Joseph Today, Priebe’s Creative Woodworking, Sherwood Snyder, Fred Holland and Judy Sokolowski. 

Moving forward, with your generosity, we will bridge the financial gap of the cost of staying in business while we strive to creatively re-imagine ways to provide art, education and performances. We look forward to engaging our patrons, and audiences throughout the community.
GALLERY COMMITTEE REPORT

Under the leadership of Jane Rush, the gallery committee has decided that the Michiana Annual Arts Competition (MAAC) will not be held this year. The committee is in the process of altering the exhibition schedule for the remainder of 2020. They also are planning a re-design of the MAAC show for 2021 and returning to in-house gallery exhibits. Stay tuned for more information from this busy group.
CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP FEES AND BENEFITS

The Board of Directors approved changes to the membership fees starting with this fiscal year. The membership categories and benefits have changed to more accurately reflect our unique members’ needs. New members and those who renew their membership will now receive a gift card based on their membership level for an ArtMarket or Gallery purchase. For a full list of benefits, visit the website for all the enhancements.
WATCH AS ‘BIRDS OF A FEATHER’ GIVES A FACELIFT TO THE BOX

Kimberly Wood’s mural concept, “Birds of a Feather, Flock Together,” was selected by the Board of Directors for installation on the exterior of the Box Factory starting this week. It will be exciting to watch the mural unfold and change our face on Broad Street.

The mural is being funded by a grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs which was matched by donations from many members and friends. Since it must be completed by September 30, the board made the decision to approve it on behalf of the membership.

In addition to the concept submitted by Kimberly, a second member Caroline Tubbs submitted “Building Blocks.” Both concepts were beautifully presented and the vote by the board reflected that with a very narrow victory for “Birds of a Feather.” We are hoping to use Caroline’s concept with a variation of her design in the future.
REOPENING OF THE BOX: RETURN TO A BIT OF NORMALCY

As we cautiously move forward during the pandemic, we are planning to open our gallery doors to the public. Beginning on September 4, we will be open from noon to 4 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Masks and social distancing guidelines will be in effect.

A crew of volunteers have been busy expanding the ArtMarket into the Williams Gallery to provide more artwork for visitors to view. Susan Plee, Susan Solon, and Elaine Harju have been hanging and arranging artwork in anticipation of the reopening. A big thank you for their efforts.
ARTMARKET: CALL FOR MEMBERS TO SELL ARTWORK

As we open the expanded Art Market, now would be a perfect time for you to try and sell your art.  If you have a piece(s) that you would like to put in the market. Please contact Judy or Amy or email us at Board@boxfactoryforthearts.org