Goals for next 25 years laid out

By Rebecca Petersen | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, November 17, 2007

Dear artists, members, non-members, arts supporters, arts enthusiasts:

We’re into our 25th year here at A Center for the Arts. We’ve had a great 25 years of remarkable programming, and now we’re embarking on another 25 years.

We want to continue to build strong partnerships in the community. We want to see downtown and the entire community of Fergus Falls flourish.

We want to make sure we’re here forever. And we want to help put Fergus Falls on the map.

And we’re doing that. September’s touring production of “Songs from the Tall Grass,” is one example of how we are accomplishing this. October’s performance by world-renowned violinist Midori is another.

We’ve had e-mails and phone calls from Chicago, Minneapolis, Arizona, Florida, and Maryland. Upcoming performances and outreach efforts will continue to do more of the same.

We need your support. Both time and financial resources are important to The Center.

In celebration and recognition of our 25th anniversary, here is our challenge:

• 25 New Members/Business Supporters each month

• 25 New Volunteer Contacts each month

• 25 Members at the $2,500 Level (we have five) and/or $25,000 members (we have three, with two new on the horizon, committed to $5,000 for five years)

• 250 Members at the $250 Level and above (we have 45)

• 250 event nights (much more manageable than our original plan to be busy 365 days a year.) That includes films (four showings/week), classes and performances.

Our goals include being more organized, more intentional, and more integral to other programs in the community always and forever.

Please help the center in the following ways: increase your membership to the next level, encourage others to become members of A Center for the Arts, volunteer in our box office, and attend more of our performances throughout the year.

Let’s make this 25th year one to remember. Here’s looking forward to 25 more years.

• Rebecca Petersen, Artistic Director/Executive Director

• Board of Directors are Steve Guttormson, President; Stephanie Davis, President-elect; Jan Stenger, past president; Paul Beithon, vice president; Bonnie Denzel, treasurer; Debra Ferguson, secretary; Kay Brown; Chuck Christianson; Ann Newell; David Nycklemoe; Ben Schierer; Jeani Trosvig; Scott Wagnild; and Kris Warhol

Rebecca Petersen is the director of A Center for the Arts in downtown Fergus Falls.