By Debra Vanderlaan, Guest Columnist
A little over three years ago, the Valley River Arts Guild’s board members and a couple of investing members were huddled over spreadsheets and budgets and dozens of “what-ifs.”
“What if we don’t succeed?” asked one of the group, which was a fair question considering the magnitude of what we were about to undertake. The response? “We absolutely will succeed. There is no ‘Plan B’.” Those were brave words, meant with all our hearts.
Considering the years of business experience between the lot of us, and fully knowing the hard work and tons of smarts it would take to succeed, on that day we voted and decided to take that leap of faith and move forward with the purchase of our forever home at 12 Peachtree St.
The community needs us, and who else was going to take on this challenge? The kids are starving for a creative outlet, and we need to continue to bring Art Walk, other programs and events to our community and the visitors who come to our area to enjoy the art vibe. We had to step up where no one else would dare to go.
Our guild moved from a rented space downtown to a much larger facility It was a property where we could host large indoor and outdoor events, with our art guild volunteers serving the people of our community, in order to offer art experiences, classes, exhibits and events. To fund these activities, we’ve held fundraisers, silent auctions, big art sales and treasures out of the vault, and have always worked hard as a team.
Since organizing as a nonprofit in 2010, we’ve had a handful of loyal supporters. Today, we are calling for each of you who believe in our mission and appreciate our work to step up and support what we’re doing as an all-volunteer nonprofit community arts organization.
Here’s why we need you. This past year has been much more challenging. We’ve faced two major air-conditioning replacement costs, dealt with the economic impact of Hurricane Helene with the N.C. Department of Transportation shutting down roadways and telling visitors not to travel to western North Carolina, done our best with the walkability of downtown creating a challenge for access to our building and tried to rise above the shutting down of most funding grants.
From the outside, we don’t look like we need help, but within these walls of The MAC, the challenges of the past year have shaken us. We are aware that money does not grow on trees, but we are shaking up the forest and asking for your help. We’re not asking for the moon, but if you can afford a star or two, your financial support would be so very much appreciated.
Our nonprofit has organized a year-end Donation Drive, and we are gratefully accepting donations of any amount that will help to sustain our operations. Our goal is to raise $30,000 by the end of 2025.
The most beautiful part of your donation is that we have a private donor who has stepped up to match your donation up to $10,000. All of your donations at $1,000 or above will have your family recognized in gold on our Legacy board at the entrance to the MAC gallery.
You can stop by The MAC anytime during business hours with any form of payment, even credit card, or mail in a check made out to Valley River Arts. Donation forms and receipts are available at The MAC or can be mailed to you.
Details: Visit ValleyRiverArts.com; call 828-360-3038, or write Valley River Arts Inc., Murphy Art Center, 12 Peachtree St., Murphy, NC 28906.
The writer is with the Valley River Arts Guild.