Changing Lives Through the Visual Arts - Annual Report

Posted on 07/12/19

Dear Friends,

If you’ve joined us at FAVA in the past year, you know that we have reason to celebrate! FAVA has been serving the Lorain County Community for forty years now, and we have had a year of forward movement, collaboration, and artistic learning.

At FAVA, we’re committed to changing lives through the visual arts. We do this by exhibiting contemporary visual art, educating people of all ages, and strengthening cultural awareness throughout the community.

In the past year, we have focused on expanding our course offerings, sought out new artists to exhibit, and established a separate scholarship fund with defined parameters to ensure we are making the best use of your generous donations. We welcomed Pam Horvath as FAVA’s new Director of Operations in July 2018, and said goodbye to our long-time Assistant Director, Kyle Michalak, as he retired in April 2019.

FAVA’s Board of Directors welcomed new members and celebrated those who have supported us from the beginning. We kicked off our 40th anniversary year with an amazing Art Auction/ Wine Tasting event. Board, staff, and volunteers worked together to continue to engage 3,782 people in our community and fulfill our mission of changing lives through the visual arts.

Our classes engaged 339 students through 71 visual art classes. Through your generosity, 37 scholarships totaling $5,708 provided students who would otherwise be unable to attend the opportunity to experience art classes and camps at FAVA. Our 2018 summer camps immersed 98 kids in drawing, painting, sculpting, and more.

In the galleries, FAVA hosted our first ever Artists’ in Residence, Diane Ramos and David Spencer, made possible by a grant from the Bill Long Foundation and generous support from our Board of Directors. We exhibited an additional seven shows including FAVA’s Annual Member’s Show, a marvelous blend of new and seasoned artists showcasing their talent through a myriad of media. Our Biennial Photo Show early this spring had hundreds of entries which included some truly unique subjects and processes. FAVA has had more than 1,500 visitors to our galleries in the past year.

This year promises to be equally exciting—with new collaborations for camps and classes, even more new course offerings, and a thought-provoking line-up of exhibitions, gallery talks, and guests.

We are excited to see what the next 40 years FAVA bring for our amazing organization. I am humbled and grateful for the continued outpouring of support from our members, teaching artists, students, and friends. Your ongoing support makes a tremendous difference to every life we touch through our exhibitions, classes, camps, and outreach. Thank you for your support!

Kindest Regards,
Kathleen Jackson
Executive Director