Girls Art Out!

Girls Art Out!

Art In and Out (AIAO) partnered with the Texas Commission on the Arts two years ago to expand programming to artists that did not qualify for Austin Travis County Integral Care dollars.  AIAO offers outings that support artists to participate the in the local arts scene.  We have served more than 20 different artists and enjoyed museums, theatre productions and volunteer opportunities.

Last year, a small group of ladies began to go out into the arts each Monday.  Together they have visited more than 30 different exhibitions!  Each time they enjoy lunch afterwards and share life.  It has been an awesome experience to be a part of.  Our weekly outings are changing shape to monthly outings, as two of ‘our ladies’ will begin volunteering in the arts twice a month.

This picture is from our most recent outing at Women and Their Work. The exhibition on display is fascinating and we enjoyed interacting with the art and sharing bits of our own lives in connection with the display.

 

Artists in Action!

Paint Me

A group of Imagine Art artists volunteered Saturday, February 4^th, with Mobile Art and Wishes, a new non-profit art project in Austin.  They participated in a booth at a Mobile Loaves and Fishes outreach event and provided arts activities for homeless patrons.

The day started out cold and wet, but turned beautiful.  The picture is Nicole in her “Dr. Art coat”.  She walked the park, encouraging others to paint her!  Angelique was the brains behind the tye-dye.  Suzanne, Kim and I got to play with acrylic on canvas and encourage others to paint!

Thanks volunteers.  It was lots of fun serving alongside you.

Building Capacity

We have an exciting new opportunity to work with Greenlights, a local consultant helping non-profits build capacity for growth.  The City of Austin awarded Imagine Art a “Capacity Building” grant in the amount of $9,400.  Our focus is to build a strong foundation, equipping the organization to move forward to establish a campus in east Austin, named the Seabrook Center.  Greenlights will start with diagnostics to identify trouble-spots and make recommendations.  With their support, we are establishing a Strategic Planning Committee to lay out a 3 year plan with a focus on establishing the Seabrook Community of Prayer campus.  

After 15 years of operations, I am excited about receiving support and growing to the next level of operations!  Thanks City of Austin for your faith in Imagine Art and it’s vision for the future.  

Happy New Year!

Welcome to day 12 in the New Year 2012!

We heard God’s voice in 2011 and were able to finish the year fully present with the artists.  We laid down the opportunity to exhibit at this year’s Armadillo Bazaar in response to spending more quality time with the artists over the holidays.  As a result, we enjoyed Christmas dinner on Sunday, December 25th and more than 20 artists attended.  I want to especially thank the body of Christ at the Austin Stone Community Church.  Together they donated over $2,000 in gifts for the artists.  It took us two days to sort and wrap the blessings that God brought us through the church!  Volunteers served to host our Christmas Party on December 17thand the artists opened presents under the tree.

We are off to an exciting start for 2012 and eager for new beginnings.   Happy New Year, with blessings, Debbie