The circle is a geometric shape that has permeated art since the beginning of time. It is also defined as an area of action or influence, which aptly describes the essence of The Circle, a Vero Beach Museum of Art philanthropic group whose members contribute a minimum of $250 to supplement the funding of Museum outreach programs.
Last Thursday members gathered for their final meeting of the season to decide which programs to fund for the 2017-2018 season.
The group began eight years ago with the intent of selecting and funding programs with a focus on community, family and education. The circumference of the Circle has continued to grow, each year adding new members.
“This year membership reached an all-time high of 133 members. We have 24 charter members still involved with the Circle and 18 new members,” said Nancy Edmiston, Circle chairwoman.
“Until I was involved with the Circle, I had no idea of the extent of the outreach and educational programs the Museum provides,” said Diane Wilhelm, who has been part of the group since its inception.
Mackie Duch commented on the impact the outreach programs have on children, noting, “It brings children into the museum who would normally have little or no access to the museum and art.”
Last fall, at an afternoon tea at the Marsh Island Clubhouse, museum staff presented the group with seven programs for funding consideration.
“What you all do is truly inspiring,” shared Robyn Orzel, director of development/associate executive director. “To see so many thoughtful, caring, articulate and generous women coming together to support arts education at a time when it needs it most is very gratifying.”
Circle members had winnowed down the list of potential awardees through research and site visits and, after a recap of the four finalist programs, were ready to vote. As evidenced by the level of excited discussion, the women were passionate about the programs.
“We have $37,960 in grant money to spend this year,” said Edmiston. “That brings the total of funds disbursed since the Circle’s founding to $234,176. Our donations have given the museum the budgetary flexibility to go in new directions and become an important part of the community in many different ways.”
After ballots were tallied, Edmiston announced with a flourish, “The winner is the Intergenerational Program, which will be fully funded in the amount of $24,293.”
The program connects older adults with at-risk teens through collaborative art-viewing and art-making experiences. Funding will allow the current program, in partnership with the Teen Challenge Boys Ranch, to continue and will expand to include the Hibiscus Village.
The remaining funds will be granted to cover 50 percent of the cost of the Artful Engagements program, which partners with the Senior Resource Association to promote social engagement while participating in art-making. The interaction promotes cognitive and physical stimulation and diminishes emotional isolation.
“This is about community impact and about the museum reaching different audiences. Improving lives through the arts,” said Brady Roberts, executive director and CEO. “Without the Circle, I don’t know that we would be able to do these programs. We need this support so we can go on doing things for the community and bring the arts to people and bring people into the museums so they can have great experiences.”
