Dear Supporter of the Arts,
2013 marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Harlow Gallery, home of the Kennebec Valley Art Association in downtown historic Hallowell. Our hometown has grown into a vibrant destination for art, music and fine dining since 1963, and the Harlow Gallery is an important part of that community success story. A big part of that success has always been financial support from individual donors like you. The Harlow is built on a legacy of generations of central Maine citizens who uphold the arts for their capacity to enhance the quality of life for the entire community. We are proud of the fact that the Harlow Gallery has had a positive impact on so many lives over decades past. Please give generously to our annual fund as we embark on our next half century.
We recently held a series of focus groups to gather input to help us update our strategic plan. We were gratified to learn how many people view the Harlow Gallery as a valued keystone of central Maine’s cultural life, and to learn that the Harlow Gallery has had a positive impact on many lives.
More than one participant remarked on the modest size of our space compared to all we do; Darrell Bulmer of the Maine Arts Commission said, “It’s a small gallery that’s massive in your mind before you get here.”
Hallowellian Mary Plumer knew founding member Adele Nichols, who ran the gallery up through the mid 1990s. Mary told us, “ Adele would be so thrilled to see what this place has become. The changes are just incredible.” Mary went on to say, “The Harlow is the glue in this community … even more than I love the art, I love the collaboration.”
Our mission is to connect and celebrate art, artists and community, and 2012 really embodied that spirit:
CSA: Community Supporting Arts forged relationships between artists and 13 farms throughout central Maine. The project continues to reach new communities through a series of exhibitions in partner galleries in and around central Maine. In partnership with Vaughan Homestead Foundation we hosted a terrific local food celebration in October. Art at Home brought art lovers from miles around to tour some of Hallowell’s finest homes. We continue to collaborate with SpinOff Studios on the monthly Lunch with an Artist series and more. Young at Art, one of our favorite annual events, showcased work from students in grades K-12 from nearly two dozen area elementary and middle schools and seven high schools.
To mark our 50 year milestone we are planning a “year of community” with special events, celebrations and some exciting changes. Please give generously to the annual fund today and help us to carry the Harlow legacy forward!
With sincere thanks for your consideration and your generosity.
Deborah Fahy, Executive Director
Nancy Barron, Program Director
Nancy Bixler, Administrative Assistant
