The Austin Area Commission for the Arts saw great success in 2014.

Some highlights include selling over $30,000 in artwork in our retail and gallery space at the ArtWorks Center, and expanding our class offerings from 30 this past fall/winter to 55 this spring.

Additionally we have been nominated for the Austin Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award.

Although these successes are amazing, our organization is still struggling financially. We appreciate everyone who supports us through buying tickets, concessions, and artwork and attending classes.

However, the revenue earned from these activities covers only a small portion of our expenses. In addition to featuring information on upcoming events and activities in this article, we will also be featuring ways to help our organization survive.

One simple way to do so is by “owning it,” which means becoming a member. Memberships run January-December each year. They are $60 per year for an individual and $120 per year for a family, and offer great discounts on classes and Paramount events, free popcorn, and invitations to our gallery openings.

Memberships can be purchased or renewed online at austinareaarts.org, at the ArtWorks Center 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, or over the phone at 507-434-0934.

Another way is through sponsoring a program. Each of our three programs needs sponsorship support: In 2015, we need to raise $20,000 for the Paramount Performance Season, $48,000 for the Austin ArtWorks Festival, and $6,000 for the Austin ArtWorks Center.

More information about sponsorships will be coming soon. We have received some amazing donations already for the year, for which we are truly grateful.

A special thank you goes out to Mayo Clinic Health Systems — Austin and Albert for sponsoring our ArtWorks Festival outdoor concert in honor of Dick Schindler for the next three years, to Hy-Vee Foods for sponsoring the refreshments at our Gallery Openings, and to Holiday Inn for the donation of hotel rooms to accommodate our visiting artists. Thank you for your ongoing support.