Donations to be doubled

By Melinda L. Lucas

The board of trustees at the Old Jail Art Center has asked potential donors to consider contributing now, during the museum’s current ongoing Annual Appeal, to double the effect of their generosity.

“The Charles E. Jacobs Foundation recognizes the importance and successes of the OJAC and will match contributions to the Annual Appeal dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000,” said executive director Patrick Kelly. 

The OJAC is continuing its mission of providing art for all, according to Kelly.

“Year-end contributions help us to keep our museum admission and education programs free, something that is a rarity these days,” he said.

Membership and development coordinator Susan Montgomery said that the campaign is going well so far, and it is not too late to give.

“We are well on our way to $25,000 and are counting on our members to meet this challenge with their contributions,” said Montgomery. “This is a great way to double your giving.”

She suggested donating in memory or in honor of someone, or to celebrate the OJAC’s 40th anniversary, which is this year.

A few of the programs that contributions support include the museum’s exhibitions, care of more than 2,200 works of art in the permanent collection, educational programs for 8,000-plus students each year, the SPOKEN: Ardon B. Judd Jr. Oral History Project, free family festivals, adult workshops and lectures, and preservation of regional history and artists’ documents.

“This Appeal is our primary fundraising endeavor,” said Kelly. “Your contributions help us to continue to provide art for all that is free for all.” 

Gifts can be made by visiting theojac.org online or by sending donations to The Old Jail Art Center, 201 South 2nd Street, Albany, Texas 76430.