Help the Berkeley Arts Council Move to the Next Level
You probably know that the Berkeley Arts Council is entering its fourteenth year of Amplifying the Arts in Berkeley Country and our region. There have been many transitions over that time, from our start as a group of “nomad” artists using borrowed spaces for events, exhibits, meetings and classes through the establishment of the Berkeley Art Works on North Queen Street in Martinsburg. Most recently we’ve threaded our way through the Covid pandemic era. Thanks to grant assistance from the Community Foundation, the WV Commission on the Arts, and the Economic Recovery funds administered by Martinsburg, we’ve pulled through with enough to cover our operating expenses and fund current projects.
Now it’s time for the next phase of Amplifying the Arts, one where BAC provides more opportunities for local artists and artisans, art lovers and audiences, students and creators. We need your help to get to that next level. Our capacity for classes and exhibits is limited by space. While we look for solutions, we also need to raise funds to make the next steps possible.
We will be holding “An Evening with the Arts,” our first fundraising event, on November 12 at the 1902 on Queen Building (corner of Queen and Martin Streets). We’re having a party complete with music, food and beverages, and with a variation on the typical silent auction called a “Tombola”. A Tombola is a raffle in which numbered tickets are drawn at random from a revolving drum. When a ticket is drawn, the holder of the winning number gets to choose from the donated artwork, or other prizes such as experiences, spa packages, etc. Each ticket holder will win a prize!
We are asking local artists to consider donating a piece of original artwork to be a Tombola choice. Original work in 2- or 3-dimensions such as drawings, prints, paintings, photographs, jewelry and sculpture; work in collage and mixed media, fiber, basketry, clay, wood, metal, assemblage or other media, is welcome.*
We ask that your donated artwork have a value of at least $75. We will provide a receipt for your taxes. The value of your donation may be tax deductible as a donation to the Berkeley Arts Council, a 501C(3) organization.
The Tombola choices will be featured in a special exhibit at the Berkeley Art Works gallery from October 12 through November 11, to be perused by the community and potential ticket buyers. Each item will include information on how to contact the artist. The work will also be on display during the “Evening with the Arts” event. Posters will display the Tombola choices during the Berkeley Arts Council’s upcoming “Arts Expo” festivities on Saturday October 8 at the Martinsburg Roundhouse, which is expected to attract many visitors.
As a donor of original artwork:
- This is an additional opportunity to put your name and your work out into the community.
- Your work will be displayed in the Tombola preview exhibit at the Berkeley Art Works gallery.
- Donating artists are invited to a special Thank You wine and hors d’oeuvres reception at the gallery on Friday, November 4, from 6 to 8 pm.
- Your work will be published in the program booklet being produced for the fundraiser. This booklet will be distributed to ticket buyers prior to and at the event.
- Your work may be used in promotions for the event in local and regional press and on social media, as well as additional printed materials such as posters and flyers.
- Your work may be featured in a display at our October 8 Arts Expo.
- And best of all, you will be contributing to the future success and growth of the Berkeley Arts Council.
Will you consider donating a piece of your artwork? To register your donation, please complete the online form at this link:
https://berkeleyartswv.org/an-evening-with-the-arts-donation/
We will use the information for receiving your artwork and planning the exhibit.
Delivery of donations:
To ensure your work is included in the printed materials, we need to receive it at the Berkeley Art Works on:
Friday September 16 or 23 between 11 and 5
Saturday September 17 or 24 between 11 and 4
*Two-dimensional work should be framed and must be equipped with wire, ready for hanging (no sawtooth or single loop hangers, please). Three-dimensional work should be free-standing.
For questions, email bac@berkeleyartswv.org
The Berkeley Arts Council