RAISE THE ROOF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
WILL YOU HELP US KEEP ART ALIVE IN DOWNTOWN MERIDEN?
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PayPal allows you to pay by Credit or Debit Card or through your PayPal account. |
The final report indicates that our roof replacement is more complex than we had realized . . . what started as a simple roof replacement has morphed into a 2-phase project, according to the experts evaluating our building: |
At Gallery 53 we are so proud of our 114 year heritage as an independent visual arts nonprofit! Even when faced with the unprecedented challenge of 2020’s pandemic shutdown, we responded with creativity, resilience and determination. And we succeeded! By mid-November, halfway through a successful Bread & Broth To Go fundraiser, the ink on our balance sheet had turned from red to black.
But before we could take a breath we were hit with a staggering unexpected expense: the roof of our circa 1894 building was leaking beyond repair, and would need to be completely replaced! Fast forward to August 2021, when we received the preliminary results of an historic building assessment (funded by State of Connecticut Historic Preservation Office) and we realize we're facing an even bigger challenge! Based on a this report from DeCarlo & Doll, we've learned that our roof replacement project is more complex that we had realized. Plus cracking masonry dictates that we stabilize the entire structure. According to the final report, what started as a roof replacement only has morphed into a major 2-phase project: Phase I - stabilize structure, replace roof, repair masonry Phase II - replace 90+ year old elevator to facilitate handicap accessibility Phase III - code compliance updates for access/egress to allow maximum usage of square footage |
PLANNING FOR ROOF PROJECT UNLOCKS HISTORY - Record-Journal, January 11, 2021
Now call us stubborn, but at a time when many nonprofits are closing their doors, we’re just determined to raise this money. Maybe its the weight of our 113 year history. Or maybe its the esprit d’corp of our amazing team of volunteers. Or maybe its the support we’ve received from this community throughout the years. Whatever it is that drives us, we believe more than ever in the vital role the arts play in a community and how they inspire the best in all of us. And we’re determined to continue our mission of promoting the arts in Meriden
True, we could take a cue from other organizations and slap a “For Sale” sign on 53 Colony Street, continue our classes and exhibits in a sparkling new suburban locale, and leave these major structural repairs to the next guy. We could. But we’re not going to. Here’s the thing: art is not a small-scale endevaour - it’s a big, messy, all-over-the-place kind of process that requires square footage - 53 Colony Street has that. Artists need light too - not just a few measly LED track lights, but natural light and lots of it - 53 Colony Street has tons of it. And artist and craftspeople need to share their work with the community - 53 Colony Street has the storefront setting that accommodates everything from 64 piece art exhibits to month-long holiday artisan fairs with hundred and hundreds of items.
But beyond the practical physical requirements, art needs to be accessible to the community - everyone in the community. Not tucked away on a suburban side street with no foot traffic, no visibility. At 53 Colony Street, we’re part of the Downtown Meriden neighborhood, participating in events and working with volunteer committees to bring life, art, culture, and a spirit of community to the area. Prior to the pandemic, our Colony Street neighborhood was considered an emerging arts district. And we believe, when our world is back on course, it will be again. In the meantime, we’re anchoring a section of Colony Street, showing everyone what’s positive and what’s possible with creativity, resilience and determination.
We just can’t accept that a 113 year tradition of supporting the arts could die because of a leaky roof. Call us crazy, but we believe we can do this - especially with your support. Will you help us keep art alive in Downtown Meriden?
THANK YOU!!!
True, we could take a cue from other organizations and slap a “For Sale” sign on 53 Colony Street, continue our classes and exhibits in a sparkling new suburban locale, and leave these major structural repairs to the next guy. We could. But we’re not going to. Here’s the thing: art is not a small-scale endevaour - it’s a big, messy, all-over-the-place kind of process that requires square footage - 53 Colony Street has that. Artists need light too - not just a few measly LED track lights, but natural light and lots of it - 53 Colony Street has tons of it. And artist and craftspeople need to share their work with the community - 53 Colony Street has the storefront setting that accommodates everything from 64 piece art exhibits to month-long holiday artisan fairs with hundred and hundreds of items.
But beyond the practical physical requirements, art needs to be accessible to the community - everyone in the community. Not tucked away on a suburban side street with no foot traffic, no visibility. At 53 Colony Street, we’re part of the Downtown Meriden neighborhood, participating in events and working with volunteer committees to bring life, art, culture, and a spirit of community to the area. Prior to the pandemic, our Colony Street neighborhood was considered an emerging arts district. And we believe, when our world is back on course, it will be again. In the meantime, we’re anchoring a section of Colony Street, showing everyone what’s positive and what’s possible with creativity, resilience and determination.
We just can’t accept that a 113 year tradition of supporting the arts could die because of a leaky roof. Call us crazy, but we believe we can do this - especially with your support. Will you help us keep art alive in Downtown Meriden?
THANK YOU!!!
DONATE - online or by mail
ONLINE
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PayPal allows you to pay by Credit or Debit Card or through your PayPal account. Please add "Raise the Roof Donation" under Special Instructions. The CARES ACT of March 2020 provides increased tax incentives for charitable giving for both individuals and corporations. It allows as additional "above the line" deduction for charitable gifts incase up to $300. You can claim this deduction even if you are not itemizing. THANK YOU for supporting Gallery 53!
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MAIL
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Make check out to "Gallery 53" and mail to:
Gallery 53 c/o Raise the Roof 53 Colony Street Meriden, CT 06451 |
