Arts Center capital campaign at 90 percent

Area residents now have an opportunity to help push the Clear Lake Arts Center fundraising campaign over the top.

“We are at approximately 90 percent of the goal,” said Campaign Co-Chair Tom Lovell. “Reaching that goal by the end of summer will help ensure that critical building repairs and enhancements can be completed in a timely manner.”   

The $350,000 goal was set to accomplish the following: replace the original 40-year-old roof, repair interior and electrical damage from the roof leaks, relocate the unusable handicap entrance to the Sukup Performing Arts Wing, update electrical and painting updates, repair restrooms, provide additional storage space and begin the long-awaited Sukup Lakeside Courtyard sculpture garden.  Funds also will be used to start a Capital Reserve Fund, with a portion to go into an endowment.   

“We are so grateful for the generous donations that have already been made and for the volunteer time spent on the campaign,” said Kathy Ingram, Arts Center Board member and a campaign steering committee member.  The “Arts Alive - Building a Vibrant Community” theme reflects not only the Arts Center’s role, but enthusiastic commitment throughout Clear Lake and North Iowa, Ingram said.  As someone who grew up in Clear Lake, lived elsewhere and came back, “I appreciate how community members and businesses work so well together to create a thriving culture full of a variety of interesting events and organizations.”

The Clear Lake Arts Center drew over 20,000 visitors last year from over 21 states, 153 counties and four countries, held over

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500 events and served over 1,900 children with a lively, year-round Youth Arts Education program. The popular annual Art Sail, to be enjoyed this Saturday, has become an iconic Iowa tradition which draws artists and residents from throughout the Midwest.   

The Clear Lake Arts Center staff worked with the Clear Lake Parks and Recreation Department for summer recreation and with the schools for after school programming.  Children’s programs are provided at below cost and scholarships also are available.   Over 150 volunteers logged in over 7,000 hours of service last year to help make so many activities possible.      

The Clear Lake Arts Center does not own any art but features an ever-changing array of local and regional artists which are on display or for sale.  There is free admission to the gallery.

The Arts Center directly contributes to a robust local business economy as research shows 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.

Contributions to the Arts Alive Campaign may be mailed to the Clear Lake Arts Center, P.O. Box 803, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428.   

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