It’s common knowledge that with budget cuts throughout the educational sector, arts programs are the first to get the axe. The demand for math and science programs, which are equally as important, has skyrocketed, leaving the arts to fend for themselves. We don’t often hear details about the struggle to keep these incredibly enriching programs afloat, but a recent conversation with two key members of Arts Central, Cate O’Hagan and Deborah Allen, has shed light on all of the amazing things the arts can do for children and adults alike.

Arts Central has been supporting the arts for over two decades through arts education and outreach. In a given year, Arts Central’s trained teaching artists can reach more than 7,000 children through the Artists in Schools program, VanGo mobile art studio and classes at the Art Station. Arts Central’s purpose is to inspire creativity through arts education and to advocate for integration of the arts in all aspects of community life in Central Oregon. They accomplish this through three distinct initiatives: arts education, advocacy and cultural trust, and receive support for services from the Oregon Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Art Central is dedicated to caring for the artists and instructors they employ. “The artists we hire have at least a bachelors degree in the arts, and many have a masters,” says Art Education Director Deborah Allen. “These are incredibly talented, skilled artists who have held their own exhibitions and have worked in the art industry for years.” Because of the highly trained staff, Arts Central firmly believes in paying their artists more than just a living wage. Majority of the tuition for classes provided by Arts Central is given directly to the instructors.
Something else that makes Arts Central truly unique is their involvement with other local nonprofits. Partnerships with camps and organizations, like Mary’s House and Saving Grace, bring both art and healing within the community.
“The arts are incredibly therapeutic,” says Executive Director Cate O’Hagan. “It is important to care for ourselves, and working through conflict with art is really a way of feeding the soul.” The art programs provided to children in distressed circumstances has been wildly effective.
“We provide a type of consistency for them. But it’s also giving them a voice that they do not always have. It is a sense of control that may not be there in their everyday life, and that has a huge impact on these kids,” says Allen.
Arts Central is also responsible for giving out various scholarships for kids and adults so that they may pursue the arts on their terms. The children who have received awards in the past have gone on to truly blossom in every aspect of their lives. “Watching these kids completely turn their lives around is such a rewarding experience. There is so much that can be healed through art, and we want to be able to continue providing that to people,” Allen comments.
There are countless other stories that prove the positive impact Arts Central has on the community and beyond. As a nonprofit organization, the majority of funds that Arts Central uses to make these programs a reality is gained through donations and fundraisers.
The annual Black & White fundraiser is by far the biggest source of funds for Arts Central, and should not be an event to miss. “Our fundraiser provides money for everything that is not already covered by tuition or grants, so it is incredibly important to us,” states O’Hagan. This fun social event features food, wine, entertainment and fabulous prizes that will be auctioned off. It is going to be an incredibly special event, and donations as well as volunteers are always welcomed.
If you are interested in supporting Arts Central in their efforts in community and artistic development, the Black & White event will take place September 20 at the Tetherow Golf Club and Resort.

Black & White Dinner Auction:
Supporting Arts Central’s Art Education Programs

Arts Central announces that its largest annual fundraiser, the Black & White auction and dinner event, will be held on Sunday, September 20 from 4-8pm at Tetherow Golf Club and Resort in Bend.

Combining fine food and wine with friendly bidding in silent and live auctions, the Black & White has been one of Central Oregon’s signature fundraising events for 18 years running. The evening’s auctions will feature works by acclaimed regional artists, one-of-a-kind trips and experiences, sparkling jewelry, stay-cations and much more. All proceeds directly support Arts Central’s mission to enrich the cultural community and bring invaluable arts education to students in schools throughout Central Oregon.

This year’s event will be held in a 9,000 square foot tent on the terrace of Tetherow Golf Club and Resort; a first for the Black & White. According to event co-chair and Arts Central Board President Bert Kronmiller, “Tetherow offers a stunning backdrop for our organization’s most important fundraiser. With gorgeous works of art, golf packages, world travel and more up for auction, we are looking forward to an unforgettable and successful evening benefitting Central Oregon’s only nonprofit visual arts school.”

Black & White tickets are available for $95 each or $950 for a table of ten and can be purchased by calling the Black & White hotline at 541-633-7242 or by visiting www.artscentraloregon.org/events. Corporate sponsorships are also available, starting at $1,000.