2007 Membership Campaign Letter

Dear Friends,

As the director for the LCSC Center for Arts & History I would like to take this opportunity to thank our members for their support in past years.  We truly cannot do it without you.

Your contributions help produce so many quality exhibits and programs each year.  Since my arrival this past October, we have showcased exhibits that have touched the hearts of our visitorship.  The quilts featured in Visual Verse reminded us of the comfort of home and hearth and told stories of the lives of everyday women.  My Private Idaho:  No Boundaries was a wide-ranging collection of Idaho landscapes; some intensely personal, some as large and vast as the open West.  In Sarah Swett:  Threads we were treated to the incomparable vision of one of American’s leading tapestry artists. 

 Exhibits like these remind me how important it is we keep the arts alive in our communities.  Have you ever had an experience with a piece of art?  Were you ever moved to tears by something someone wrought in canvas, or in clay, stone, or fabric?  If so, you and I are kindred spirits.  We feel the pull of these pieces on our souls and know the responsibility that comes with experiencing something so profound that we must pass it on.

 I have been truly proud to be a part of the LCSC Center for Arts & History and the wonderful exhibitions we produce.  To those of you who know me, it is no surprise that I am this passionate about the arts and history.  They have always been a part of my life and are the reason I became a museum professional. 

 As I write you, I see before me the faces of my young twins, Gordon and Madeline.  I have their photograph posted on my desk to remind me why I’m the Director of the LCSC Center for Arts & History.  I’m here for them and all the other budding patrons of the arts.  I want to know that they will grow up with free access to the arts and culture.  I want them to see things that move them; inspire them to think and reach beyond the confines of their world. 

I know you want that for your children and grandchildren.  Who doesn’t?  So, please join me in supporting the LCSC Center for Arts & History with a 2007 membership.  

Sarah Swett blessed us this year with contributions of her art for our permanent collection.   These pieces will be here to inspire young and old for many years to come.  This year, to commemorate Sarah’s generous gift we will put a portion of the membership fees into an art fund.  We will use this fund to purchase pieces from future exhibitions and add to our permanent collection.  This is a lasting legacy for the community.  Please consider earmarking a portion of your donation for this fund.

 Thank you in advance for considering this request for membership.  Together we will make the LCSC Center for Arts & History shine!

Sincerely,

Heather S. Bender

Director
Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History