Dear Fellow Art Enthusiast,

Another year has past and it has been a successful although challenging time for the BFAI. Attendance at our monthly gallery openings and receptions has been soaring as a result of our improved level of service, marketing initiatives and partnerships we have forged with downtown businesses.

We have provided an array of outstanding art shows to the community, showcasing the talent of local and regional artists. The large, bold and colorful works of Bill Kolb, the finite detail in the paintings, sculptures and stained glass of H.Ward Sterett, a welcome home to Beloit’s very own Adam Nilson, the works of the artists from Mineral Point, the “Big Bang – Paintings of the Universe” by Dan Wuthrich, the wood sculptures of Jim Julin, and photography of Egil Svennevig and Wayne Konkle. We have partnered with Friends of Riverfront and for the Plein Air Paint Events and Galerie Stroll., and look forward to providing children’s art activities during the Movies at Harry’s Place at Riverside Park. Our 2009 schedule is full and we are now scheduling shows into 2010.

We have had successful class offerings to the community in photography, painting, and business education for artists with a full slate of new classes beginning in the fall.

This has also been a year of challenges. Regional economic woes have caused a loss of revenue, putting even more importance on our fundraising efforts. Our board of directors is committed to providing a quality art experience to the community and an outlet to showcase the “home” talent.

As we embark on our 2009 membership campaign we are asking you to help us preserve what has been started and build on our future. For this years membership campaign we have partnered with local businesses to provide more value to your membership and offset the costs of various membership levels. Please review the offerings at the various membership levels. The value of the incentives at each level can more than pay for your contribution.

“This is your art facility.”
Our Mission: Provide resources to help emerging artists, offer community education and cultural events and expand on the “Art Center” theme.
Please contribute what you can and join us as we face these difficult times together, preserving and building the arts in our community.

Dean Folts
President of your Board of Directors