The St. Marys Art Center is looking to the community as it continues rebuilding the organization and planning for its future.

Board Trustee Holly Bertke and Art Center President Amy Dues joined WCSM's Spectrum to discuss the newly launched Community Canvas Campaign, which has a fundraising goal of $60,000.

The campaign carries the message, “Every Gift Adds a Brushstroke. Every Brushstroke Builds Our Community,” along with the call to action, “Make Your Mark.”

Bertke and Dues said the campaign is designed to create a more sustainable financial foundation for the nonprofit while protecting existing programming and allowing the Art Center to continue expanding.

The organization has spent approximately two years rebuilding after Arts Place, an organization based in Portland, Indiana, withdrew from the St. Marys area. The St. Marys Art Center now operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is primarily volunteer-led.

Despite that transition, the organization continued offering children's and adult classes, exhibits, workshops, summer and after-school programming and community events.

Officials say the financial challenge of operating the Art Center goes beyond what can be covered through classes and artwork sales alone.

Last year, revenue from classes, exhibits and art sales totaled approximately $18,000, while overall expenses were nearly $43,000.

Funds raised through Community Canvas could help support current programming while also paying for improvements including new cabinetry in the art room, improved lighting, signage, flooring, display equipment and art supplies.

The organization also hopes to expand programming, provide additional scholarships and explore new opportunities including homeschool programming.

A unique piece of the Community Canvas effort will involve local artist Rhonda Hager, who is donating her time and talent to create an original piece of artwork for the campaign. Brushstrokes will be added as support for the campaign grows, with artist-signed prints planned as recognition for qualifying supporters.

Donations do not have to be large. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can participate through one-time gifts, monthly giving or sponsorship levels.

The Art Center is also encouraging residents to support the organization by taking a class, attending an exhibit, volunteering or simply visiting the facility.

The St. Marys Art Center is located at 207 East Spring Street in downtown St. Marys and is open Tuesday through Friday from noon until 5 p.m.

Additional information is available at stmarysartcenter.com and through the St. Marys Art Center's Facebook and Instagram pages.