tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958585785799191811.post7084955477174986341..comments2024-02-16T01:14:52.178-08:00Comments on ALOC: Artists and art lovers--speak up now before it's too late!ALOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03135405051960020078noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7958585785799191811.post-51331780209183087942010-04-16T12:23:21.125-07:002010-04-16T12:23:21.125-07:00We appreciate the concerns and passion that many m...We appreciate the concerns and passion that many members of the community feel for the Maitland Art Center, including yours. For that reason, we have reached out to the community to hear their concerns and suggestions regarding the merger. After hundreds of hours of volunteer time, we are approaching the culmination of a process that would merge the two non-profit corporations.<br />The benefits of the merger are many. For instance as it pertains to fundraising, increasingly, as your members may know, granting entities want their dollars to impact as many people as possible. By merging with the Maitland Historical Society, the Maitland Art Association will increase its membership base, making it more attractive to potential donors. With the enhanced fiscal capacity of a larger institution the potential exists to create a combined campus with a new museum building and additional classroom space, establishing an enriched cultural destination. The expansion of our facilities and programs will help bring to fruition Andre Smith's vision and dream as well as revitalizing the cultural corridor of Maitland.<br />There has been a shift in how museums and other nonprofits are structured; the trend is toward interdisciplinary programs. As art and history are closely related fields, a multidisciplinary approach would offer a broader and richer experience for visitors and students without sacrificing anything that makes the Maitland Art Center unique. This comprehensive approach to our mission will not only strengthens how we foster, create and exhibit art, but how we preserve, interpret, and study history.<br />We agree with all your characterizations of the treasure that is the Maitland Art Center and we remain adamant in trying to protect this legacy. In addition, please be assured that we believe wholeheartedly in pARTicipation. It is a one-of-a-kind event in Central Florida and one of our signature fundraising events. Scheduling conflicts with other art events left us with little options but to reschedule the event for next year.<br />Roger Pickar<br />Vice Chairman of the Maitland Art CenterUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14149995163060235960noreply@blogger.com