Upcoming Fundraisers Will Support Youths, Artists

The holiday season is a time for giving and the Community Arts Network of Oneonta is unveiling fundraisers this November that directly give back to residents. The positive impact of arts and culture has resulted in the revitalization of towns and cities through increased tourism, employing artists and performers, enhancing property values, community pride, and so much more. In an effort to better support local artists and families, and to help revitalize our community, CANO will be launching the Opportunities for Artists Fund and Youth Arts Programming Initiative.

CANO will announce the Opportunities for Artists Fund at the 3rd Annual Postcard Exhibition Benefit on November 2, from 6-8 p.m., at the Wilber Mansion. This popular annual fundraiser is made possible by local and national artists who donate original 5×7 postcard-sized works of art. Postcards can be purchased for just $50.00. The event features hors d’oeuvres, a DJ, really cool art and even cooler artists! Fifty percent of the proceeds from this event will go toward the Opportunities for Artists Fund.

Then, fundraising for the Youth Arts Programming Initiative will be kicked off at the Songwriters Supper Club on the evening of November 15. The rising costs of child care and children’s programming is felt nationally. Due to the increased expenses incurred in providing children’s programming, opportunities are limited locally. CANO’s Youth Arts Programming Initiative will offer free arts programming in the summer for local children, as well as scholarships to CANO’s Summer Arts Program and After School Program for kids and teens. Details will be presented at this dinner event, where guests will also enjoy music performed by local songwriters.

While allocating funding for food and housing insecurities is obviously vital, investing in local arts organizations, such as CANO, has significant long-term economic benefits for residents. What is amazing about the Opportunities for Artists Fund and Youth Arts Programming Initiative is that donors can impact our residents’ lives immediately while continuing to build upon the greater Oneonta area’s reputation as an arts-vibrant, welcoming place to live.

Since much of CANO’s programming is free and open to the public, or low cost, becoming a member, attending events or donating as little as $20.00 makes a difference. CANO receives very little funding from individual donors. We are hoping to be here another five, 10 and 50 years. The pandemic had such a negative impact on our organization’s financial stability—we don’t have the dedicated volunteer support we used to, and regional sources of funding are drying up. So, the community’s support is crucial in order for us to continue providing free or low-cost arts education, programming and events. If even just 1,000 residents became members, or donated $30.00, our ability to give back to our community would be noticeable.

To find out about upcoming events and programming, or to donate and become a member, visit CANO’s website, https://www.canoneonta.org, or e-mail admin@canoneonta.org for more information.

Hope Von Stengel is the executive director of the Community Arts Network of Oneonta.