HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT ART & ARTISTS IN THE
 GREATER CASTLE ROCK AREA
 
RECOMMENDED BYLAW CHANGE FOR
GRADUATED MEMBERSHIP FEES
 
October 8, 2011
 
It has been said that art develops the heart of a community. It provides a common ground that brings people together and increases the humanity of each individual and the group as a whole. 
 
Until November, 2010, the Greater Castle Rock Art Guild (GCRAG) did not have a home. In less than a year, because of the collaborative work of GCRAG members, the Front Range Theatre Company (FRTC) and the Board for the Imagine Center we are currently at an incredibly positive crossroad. The town of Castle Rock and its merchants are eager to have GCRAG closer to the center of town and there are plans to build a facility within the next several years.
 
In the meantime, our current facility is drastically out-of-compliance with the fire code. The reality of obtaining the money needed to fix the current center is non-existent. We also need to be closer to the center of town. We have to move literally and figuratively quickly. However, we cannot afford to be without a home & gallery. We need a temporary home until the proposed center is built in order to begin to bring money into the organization and develop credit.
 
GCRAG has always needed and embraced artists and art lovers as members.  The rates charged for a year’s membership is the lowest in the entire region and hasn’t changed since the establishment of the organization. We are recommending to keep our low entry level but to add three additional levels for members and art lovers who are willing and can afford higher prices to do so. Below is a graduated member fee along with significant perks at each level.
 
We are not asking for people to give beyond their capability; we are asking that people give whatever they can so art and artists can be supported in this area.  At all levels but Entry, you may pay in lump sum or charge payments quarterly, every 6 months or in 12 equal payments.
 
A.    ‘Art Lovers’ - Donors Level
 
Individual, family, corporate donors: $1,000 (or more) a year per person or $1,500 or above per couple/family or small business owners with 2-5 people. Corporate donors (allowing up to 10 members all the privileges) will pay between $5,000 or above a year.
‘Art Lovers’ are full members of GCRAG and may attend all meetings, and up to 3 workshops, and/or other fee activities provided by GCRAG free of charge;
An ‘Art Lovers’ Only Pre-Exhibit Opening will be held for each major exhibit;
‘Art Lovers’ who are artists may put artwork into members-only GCRAG-sponsored exhibits throughout the year without paying entry fees;
‘Art Lovers’ will be provided one trip to the DAM for a guided tour through a specific area, two or more presentations by artists of note, and a Spring, Fall or Holiday banquet/party once a year.
‘Art Lovers’ who are artists may hold a private showing in one area/wall of a gallery once a year for 2 weeks free of charge. It will be their responsibility to plan, publicize and implement their showing. GCRAG will assist in any way that is feasible.
 
 
B.     Art Supporters Level
 
1.      Individual, family, corporate donors: $600 (or more) a year per person or $900 or above per couple/family or small business owners with 2-5 people. Corporate donors (allowing up to 5 members all the privileges) will pay between $2,500 or above a year.
2.      ‘Art Supporters’ are allowed all the benefits listed under ‘Art Lovers’ above except #’s 5 and 6.
3.      GCRAG members who bring in two or more individuals, families, businesses or corporations into the ‘Art Lovers’ Level will receive one year’s free upgrade to the Art Supporters Level free of charge.
 
C.    ‘Art Workers’ Level
 
1.      This level is for active members who want to work for the advancement of the arts in the area.
2.      Individual, family, corporate donors: $350 (or more) a year per person or $500 or above per couple/family or small business owners with 2-5 people. Corporate donors (allowing up to 10 members all the privileges) will pay between $5,000 or above a year.
3.      This group is allowed #’s 4 & 6 under the ‘Art Lovers Level’ in addition to normal membership privileges.  Members who get one individual or family to sign up for the Art Lovers or Art Supporters Level Club or 5 individuals or families on the Entrance Level will automatically be upgraded to this level of membership for one year.
 
D.    Entry Level –$15 (student), $25 (individual) and $35 (family) to support and provide access for artists and others who find additional money for fees difficult.