Support art center mission

The Art Center at the Old Library finds itself in just such a predicament. Recently they discovered they must come up with $4,000 to replace the furnace. Compounding the problem, membership and fundraiser income has substantially declined in the last year.

The solution? An event to chase away the cold. The second annual African Music & Dance Party, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, is an important fundraiser for the Art Center, and anyone who enjoys the music of Kupenga Marimba and the Eastern Oregon University African drumming group, or who just wants to come out and support a good cause, is welcome. 

The Art Center at the Old Library, formerly known as the Union County Art and Culture Center, is a nonprofit organization that maintains the historic Carnegie Library building at 1006 Penn Ave. The Art Center provides opportunities to experience and appreciate arts and culture through education, events, art exhibits, concerts, theater and more. If you haven’t already, it might be a good time to take a class or check out an art exhibit at the Art Center.  

The Art Center is run by a seven-member board, and a part-time staff of one. 

The Art Center’s operating budget is reliant on community support through membership, fundraisers, donations and income from classes. People who would like to become a member, or donate money, equipment and supplies or funding for scholarships, would do a lot to ensure this valuable institution thrives as an important part of the community.