"The Supervisor's kick-off gift is a terrific beginning for the community fundraising portion of the 8oth Anniversary Legacy Campaign, the largest in the Art Center's history," remarked Allen Lay, Chairman of the 80th Anniversary Legacy Campaign and the Art Center's Board of Trustees. The campaign will fund a major facility redevelopment that will maximize the Art Center's ability to meet ever-increasing demands for its classes, programs, and venue. It will raise endowment funds, as well, which will further support the Art Center's future sustainability.
Harlyne J. Norris was announced as the Honorary Chair of the Community Campaign. Norris stated, "I am flattered to have been invited to serve as Honorary Chair. The Palos Verdes Art Center is a fundamental part of the cultural and artistic life of our community, and most especially, the education of our children". More than 30,000 children and adults benefit from the Palos Verdes Art Center's programs every year. Contributions to the 80th Anniversary Legacy Campaign will enable the Art Center to continue to offer and to expand its high quality programs, classes, and exhibitions. Norris stated, "We need everyone's support to reach the $5.5 million goal".
A $2 million dollar gift from Dr. O. Allen Alpay, in memory of his wife Beverly G. Alpay, launched the first phase of the campaign in June 2011. Leadership donors who have provided gifts and pledges ranging of $100,000 to $500,000 include Allen and Dorothy Lay, Marylyn and Chuck Klaus, The Associates and The Circle (PVAC support groups), Steve and Alida Calvillo in memory of her mother, Reva Graziadio, the Hinchliffe Family in memory of their parents, Stephen F. and Katherine M. Hinchliffe, Michael and Stacy Koehn, John S. and Marilyn Long, George and Dee Schuler, Judith and Stan Solomon, Don and Martha Tuffli, and Nancy and Jim Welsh.
"We are very grateful to the campaign's initial leadership donors and believe others in the community will be inspired by these generous gifts," stated Bob Yassin, the Art Center's executive director. Community donation opportunities include the Renaissance Society, a new major donor group of the 80th Anniversary Legacy Campaign that provides recognition and special benefits for individuals who contribute $10,000 or more to the campaign.
Now in its 80th year, the Palos Verdes Art Center/ Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education, has served southwestern Los Angeles County since 1931 with a full range of visual arts programming and community art classes. For more information about the Palos Verdes Art Center or to become a Renaissance Society Member, please call (310) 541-2479 or visit www.pvartcenter.org