24 Monterey County GIVES! 2023 mcgives.com Arts & Culture DONate online mcgives.com “It was so exciting to prepare for a studio tour—to paint, plan and edit the work, to come up with the titles and to figure out which were the strongest paintings to show and how to show them in my space. Such is the fulfilling work in and of itself, only to be topped by the actual opening weekend. It felt like a coming-out, as friends, family, and others came to see new work, some seeing my work for the first time. It was wonderful to hear the positive feedback and lovely listening to the work being discussed. My recent return to creativity was so necessary and the Artists Studio Tour was a terrific affirmation!” -Ann Artz Camerata Singers Year Founded: 1978 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 10 volunteers Budget: $42,190 674-5863 camerata-singers.org Big Idea: The Camerata Singers are taking their show on the road! In addition to this community choir’s concert series, these volunteers will also use live music to connect to isolated seniors. A Salinas skilled nursing facility recently enjoyed a performance from this talented group, including a sing-along portion. The social interaction and life-affirming connections achieved through music help the Camerata Singers continue their mission of creating community by sharing choral music. “Hearing and seeing the singers perform their beautiful pieces calms me and brings me back to a time when I was a part of the music community (when I sang in my church choir). Hearing the voices reminds me of how music helps me feel better.” -Anonymous Carl Cherry Center for the Arts Year Founded: 1948 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 67 volunteers Budget: $120,865 624-7491 carlcherrycenter.org Big Idea: The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is small and tucked-away but is, in itself, is an “enormous idea,” say its biggest fans. This Carmel arts organization seeks donations to continue its unique brand of programming that celebrates emerging and established artists and examines contemporary aesthetic and social issues. Artists, dramatists, writers, educators, and musicians all come to the Cherry Center for intimate and insightful workshops, readings, exhibitions and conversations with the public. Staging a conversation between artists and the public remains one of this nonprofit’s signature Big Ideas. “I can’t thank you and the Cherry Crew enough for the incredible way you promote student artwork throughout Monterey County. By giving high school students the opportunity to exhibit their work in a famous, world-class art gallery, you provide them with a delicious taste of what becoming a professional artist might feel like—invaluable! Opportunities like yours are life-changing for our young artists, as they bravely spread their wings and enter their work into competitions.” -Martha Tonkin, teacher, Monterey High School Carmel Art Association Year Founded: 1927 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 7 paid, 80 volunteers Budget: $870,000 624-6176 carmelart.org Big Idea: The sun has undoubtedly provided endless inspiration for local artists. But the Carmel Art Association (CAA) chose this big, hot star as its muse for another, still poetic, Big Idea: installing solar panels at the organization’s nearly century-old headquarters, located atop the highest sand dune in Carmel. Donations will help this nonprofit harness the power of the sun for Carmel artists in a new, sustainable way. “The Carmel Art Association is an organization and art gallery that we have been involved with for many years. We have purchased numerous pieces of art and met artists who are involved with CAA. Carmel Dance Festival Year Founded: 2021 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 5 paid, 10 volunteers Budget: $175,000 (310) 923-2766 carmeldancefestival.org Big Idea: The Carmel Dance Festival is new, but already dreaming big. This organization seeks donations to help support its presentations, dance education, and community engagement opportunities. Ballare Carmel, the resident professional dance company of the Carmel Dance Festival, tells regional stories through contemporary dance. This nonprofit provides 20 full scholarships to support and inspire pre-professional dancers alongside all-ages, all-abilities community classes. “The importance of dance is indisputable. We humans have never stopped dancing. It’s in our blood. If you don’t believe it, put music in a toddler’s room and see what happens. Or go to one of Carmel Dance Festival’s events. To say ‘you will be moved’ isn’t enough. You absolutely WILL move. Perhaps the movements will be subtle, the person next to you hardly noticing. Or maybe your body remains still, but your heart is dancing inside you, opening to the story the dancers are sharing. The Carmel Dance Festival and Ballare Carmel are gifts. The beautiful dancers and incredible choreographies are to be opened and enjoyed as they cast their spells upon us. They are magical and meaningful. I find myself dancing in my dreams when I get home.” -Pam Bonsper spotlight Music helps me feel better.” Anonymous, Camerata Singers
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