MARYSVILLE – The final curtain could go down on the nonprofit Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts if it doesn’t raise $50,000 by the end of January.
Foundation president Scott Randall said a crowd-funding campaign is being kicked off the first week of the new year. The goal is to find 1,000 contributors who can donate $50 each, although of course any amount is appreciated, he said. People can go to indiggo.com to donate.
“Crowd-funding on the internet is big right now,” Randall said. “It broadens your spectrum so you’re not just asking your friends and family for money.”
Randall said owners of the former Dunn Lumber building used by the center are excited to sell as the economy improves. He said he new at some point the partners would want to sell, but the process was accelerated as property values go up.
“It caught us by surprise. We were not prepared,” he said.
He added that the partners are giving the center a good deal, and they feel they can come up with $70,000 through grants, sponsors, etc., but more is needed.
He said it is an attainable goal. Prizes are awarded for various levels of giving. Anyone who donates $50 will be invited to attend a big celebration when the effort ends.
“It’s a big hurdle but we’re very sure we’re going to make it because we believe in what we do,” he said. “The arts have to answer to economics from time to time.”
Marysville had not had a community theater group in town for 40 years when Red Curtain moved in.
“It was an underserved community” for arts and culture, he said, adding both Everett and Arlington are strong in the arts. “It’s like it passed over Marysville and Smokey Point.”
The foundation offers a number of arts programs.
“Our goal is to have activity at the arts center every weekend, and classes/rehearsals each weekday,” Randall said.
The center, at 1410 Grove St., does charge fees for its classes and programs, but it keeps the prices low.
“Price is not a reason for people not to enjoy the arts,” Randall said, adding people can volunteer to usher or at the concession stand to offset costs.
Classes set to start Jan. 11 include: guitar, $15; acting, $25; kid or teen theater, $15; and more. Private acting and piano lessons also are available.
The foundation also puts on 10 plays each year. The next one is scheduled for Feb. 20 and is an Agatha Christie play called, “Spider’s Web.”
As for music, for six years now it has offered a musical series called Hometown Hootenanny. It focuses on country, folk and bluegrass music. Its next auditions are set for 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13.
How long the center stays open depends on donations.
“If we don’t make this goal, the arts center will close at the end of January,” Randall said.
For more information go to www.redcurtainfoundation.org or call 360-322-7402.
