Jordan River Arts Council Annual Report
Jordan River Arts Council Annual Report for Year Ending September 30, 2023
As we head into another season of programming, we want to share some of the accomplishments from the past year that you helped achieve. You are a vital part of the vibrant JRAC community bringing the arts to life for residents in more than a dozen communities from Harbor Springs to Traverse City. People are drawn to the creativity, energy, and camaraderie of this special place. Thank you so much for being part of the Jordan River Arts Council.
Gera Witte, Board President, Jordan River Arts Council
Accomplishments by the Numbers
With the support of more than 260 members and many, many volunteers…
Eight exhibits of works by local artists were presented to the enjoyment of visitors from locales near and far including British Columbia, England and states coast to coast from New York to California, Texas to Alaska.
One hundred twenty-six artists exhibited in our gallery and gift shop.
One of our highest attended programs in recent years was the final show of the year, the Indigenous Art & Culture exhibit.
Six workshops plus regular meetings of the writing and sketching groups were offered throughout the year.
Seven students from East Jordan High School who exhibited their art in the annual Scholarship Show received scholarships totaling $5,500.
Five generous families provided financial support for these scholarships in addition to the JRAC Scholarship Fund which is supported by members and friends.
Seven plein air painting sites featuring lovely local views and vistas were visited over the summer by the plein air group. New members are always welcome.
Six new sculptures were added to the Jordan Art Walk. Participating in the Art Walk committee are two JRAC board members. JRAC also supports this community endeavor by serving as the fiduciary organization.
Ninety small tiles created by over 50 participating artists resulted in the Collaborations Take Two Mural that is now framed and hanging in the JRAC entry.
The East Jordan Music in the Park summer concert series featuring six concerts was sponsored in-part by JRAC along with other community groups and donors.
Our 103-year-old building received new adjustable track lighting in the gallery and classroom with funds received by the Taylor Foundation and Smith Fund.
Over the course of the year, a total of 1,015 small and large works of art were sold from the gallery and gift shop.
Volunteers contributed nearly 1,100 hours to support youth activities including holiday ornament making, rock painting at Freedom Fest, art classes at The Zone, as well as devoting time to assist in the gallery, at workshops, attend to business details and building maintenance duties. JRAC is nearly 100% volunteer-run with board and committee members also contributing many hours taking care of day-to-day operations.
We enjoy collaborating with many local organizations; last year these included the American Legion, City of East Jordan, the Depot Teen Center, the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce, the East Jordan Public Schools, the Freedom Festival, the Friends of the Jordan River, the Girl Scouts, Portside Art Fair and Active Recovery Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. If you have an idea for collaboration, we’d love to hear from you!
More Information
Stay in the know with these options: the JRAC website, Jordanriverarts.com, as well as our Facebook and Instagram pages. Updates are also shared through our monthly email newsletter. To receive a copy, sign-up on the JRAC website.
Financials: October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
