Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Cattaraugus County Arts Council takes a stand by making artistic seats

The Buffalo News reported about an Arts Council's response to the widespread state budget cuts that have impacted nonprofits everywhere. As the article relates:

Arts programs run through the Cattaraugus County Arts Council at the Allegany State Park received massive cutbacks, putting in jeopardy many of the classes, workshops and exhibits that are made available each year to enthusiasts of all ages.

For Heidi Tschopp and Anne Conroy Baiter, that wasn’t acceptable.

Tschopp, a park and recreation aide, and Baiter, executive director of the arts council, both jumped at an idea Tschopp had seen in Lake Placid—a fundraiser that involves auctioning off specifically designed Adirondack chairs that could be displayed in the park.

The exhibit, “Art and the Adirondack Chair,” features 18 chairs that can be found at nine locations, starting at the administration building in the Quaker rental office. The three styles of chairs (adult, children’s and a new “throne-ish” style called “breakdown” that was built without nails or screws) can be seen at the 65,000-acre state park through Aug. 18. Read more here.

Chairs can viewed at www.myartscouncil.net. How is your nonprofit responding to funding cuts or donation decreases? Share your thoughts here.

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