Support The Fairfield During Annual Fund Drive

Throughout the month of December, the Fairfield Center for Contemporary Art is asking its members, friends and the Door County community for their support during the art center’s 2007 Annual Fund Drive. All donations to the not-for-profit art center are tax-deductible.

“As the Fairfield approaches its 10th year of delivering fine-art exhibitions, unique social events and dedicated arts education to the Door County community, we’ve been reflecting on how much we accomplished this past year,” said Walt Freckmann, executive director. “The generous contributions we received in last year’s fund drive, and throughout 2007, made each of these accomplishments possible – and helped make our vision a reality.”

In 2007, the Fairfield exhibited the artwork of 200 local schoolchildren; provided funding for art programs in five local schools; facilitated tours for schoolchildren in grades K-12 and participants in Learning in Retirement and Elderhostel programs; premiered seven world-class exhibitions; facilitated exhibition opportunities for more than 25 established, emerging and/or student artists in the b2 Gallery; provided a series of forums for local photographers; introduced three local artists through the “Featured Artist” series; expanded the community’s art experience by hosting artist-led gallery talks and contemporary music concerts; and debuted four unique exhibitions featuring the Fairfield’s international permanent art collection.

“We also have a lot to look forward to,” said Shan Bryan-Hanson, exhibitions director. “From January 16 through March 1, we’ll be exhibiting “‘The Grapes of Wrath: A Visual Story,’” in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts’ Big Read program here in Door County.”

Bryan-Hanson continued, “Later in 2008, our exhibition schedule in the Main Gallery includes ‘The Martinez Studio: Presence,’ ‘Margaret Lockwood: Painted Spaces’ and ‘Michael Doerr: Contemporary Woodworks,’” Also, the Fairfield’s lower-level b2 Gallery is fully booked.

Freckmann commented that the support of Fairfield members, friends and the local community is essential for the art center to continue with its acclaimed exhibitions and programs.

“Unlike most museums and art centers, the Fairfield does not have an endowment,” Freckmann said. “We rely entirely on donor support. By giving gifts beyond memberships, our supporters provide the essential income we need to continue the Fairfield’s programs and exhibitions, as well as the operating costs that enable us to keep the lights on in the galleries and that provide much-needed staff to carry out the art center’s daily activities.”

The Fairfield Center for Contemporary Art is open free to the public. Offseason hours are 10 am – 5 pm, Wednesday through Saturday. For more information about the art center and its upcoming exhibitions and events, call 920.746.0001, send e-mail to [email protected] or visit http://www.fairfieldcenter.org.