Clear Lake Arts Center launches $350,000 capital campaign

A fundraising campaign is being launched to make critical building repairs and essential upgrades to the Clear Lake Arts Center.

The Clear Lake Arts Center’s “Arts Alive! Building a Vibrant Community Capital Campaign” has a goal of $350,000.  The critical priorities are to replace the original 40-year-old roof, repair interior and electrical damage from leaking, and relocate the currently unusable handicap entrance to the Sukup Performing Arts Wing.  Other needs include: electrical and painting updates, restroom repair, and additional storage space.  Funds also will be used to start a Capital Reserve Fund, with a portion to go into an endowment.   

The Arts Center directly contributes to a robust business economy, said Campaign Co-Chair Tom Lovell.   “Most employers in smaller Iowa cities are grappling with how to recruit and retain young workers and research has shown that cultural amenities are in the top five of priorities for young families.  Industrial recruiters rank communities higher for potential business expansion when they have active organizations like the Clear Lake Arts Center.  We know of people whose positive Arts Center experiences helped them decide to build summer homes in Clear Lake.”

The Clear Lake Arts Center also attracts and benefits area artists through consignment sale of their work and gallery space.

“The Clear Lake Arts Center has become one of the iconic places that embodies the spirit of Clear Lake,” said Campaign Co-Chair Jan Lovell.  “It has become a community connector with its own popular events, a collaborator with other community events, an educational site with classes for all ages and a gathering site for graduations and other important life celebrations.”

“The Clear Lake Arts Center demonstrates to Iowans from all over the state that