The Gilchrist Foundation Supports Le Mars Arts Center
Those in the Sioux City-area can experience some free art this summer at the Le Mars Arts Center. The Arts Center is hosting the American Watercolor Society’s “The Best of International Watercolor” exhibit. The exhibit will be on display from June 12 to July 31 at 200 Central Ave. SE. Admission is free and features 40 paintings from the American Watercolor Society’s 153rd annual travel exhibit. The Le Mars Arts Center will host the exhibit’s first public appearance, after the showing in New York City was unable to open due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Gilchrist Foundation has supported the Le Mars Arts Center’s ability to provide various programs and events by funding upgrades to showcase amazing exhibits like the watercolor exhibit.
Gilchrist Foundation Supports Arts Center Renovations
In 2019, the Gilchrist Foundation awarded a $20,250 Challenge Match to the Le Mars Arts Council for renovations and improvements to the Le Mars Arts Center. In 2018, the Gilchrist Foundation gave the Le Mars Arts Council a $25,000 project grant also for renovations. The money has been used for projects like making the entire building handicap accessible, including a classroom on the lower level which didn’t have handicapped access.
The Le Mars Arts Council has been headquartered since 1976 in a former Carnegie Library built in 1903. The building was listed in 1979 on the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, the building has required several renovations to allow the Arts Council to provide programs and exhibits. The building houses the Le Mars Arts Council for gallery exhibits, consignment and sales for artists; and public spaces for meetings, recitals, concerts, receptions; and educational workshops and classes in the arts for children and adults.
In 2013, the Le Mars Arts Council established a working wheelchair lift and the next year, the original maple hardwood floors were restored on the main level and the handicapped accessible restroom was constructed.
Gilchrist Foundation Supports the Arts in Siouxland
Jocelyn Gilchrist loved the arts and film and was a supporter of both in her lifetime. She used the wealth accumulated by her family to fund projects that support her family’s interests including wildlife and conservation, disaster relief and of course the arts and film.
The Gilchrist Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations that further these goals, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Most grants are for a single year, but multi-year grants may be requested.
The Gilchrist Foundation does not accept any unsolicited applications for funds, but makes grants to pre-selected charities which have been invited to apply based on the perceived match of both organizations’ missions. Organizations that wish to be considered for an award can apply for a great through the Request for Invitation form on the website. The annual grant cycle begins in April, with consideration of invitations for grant applications, and ends in mid-July with the announcement of awards.