Studios on the Park, a Designated Fund
New Home for the Arts is a Soulful Reminder
Ten years ago, artist Anne Laddon helped transform a World War II torpedo factory into a flourishing art center in Alexandria, Virginia. That experience fueled her desire to meet the needs of the growing arts community in Paso Robles. So when a space on the city’s picturesque park opened up two years ago, Anne went to work.
“We simply could not have done this without the Community Foundation,” said Laddon. “Barry [VanderKelen] has been so generous with his time, and shepherding us through the 501(c)3 process.”
While Studios on the Park was in the process of obtaining its IRS determination letter, a designated fund at the Community Foundation allowed donors to make charitable gifts to this important project. The fund allowed Studios to begin renovating and retrofittinga 9600- square-foot building. By May of 2009, Studios on the Park will become home to 20 founding visual artists, as well as the venue for the First Annual Festival of the Arts. Over 60 nationally and regionally recognized artists will display their work while live musicians and performers entertain. Hands-on workshops for children will round out the festival, heralding a new age for the visual arts in our county.
Actress Stella Adler once said, “Life beats down and crushes the soul … and art reminds you that you have one.” The new Studios on the Park will be an enduring reminder to us all.