On February 22, 2008, Blue Frog Arts officially became a non-profit artist co-op! For our customers and community we serve, all will appear to be the same. Former owner, Deb Skinner, has now become the founder, and is very excited about the changes taking place.
"When the Blue Frog opened in December 2005, everyone pitched in to help: Graceland University students, the artists, my family, friends, and co-workers. It was beautiful and exciting to see it come together.
The whole purpose of the gallery was to help the very talented artists of this community develop into a defined artist group and have an affordable venue to show their work. It operated much like a non-profit from the beginning, with artists volunteering to help out in the store special events and projects. Prior to opening, I had been told by several credible sources - an attorney and an Iowa State University faculty member it wasn't possible to combine art sales with non-profit status. So, I forged ahead with a vision I thought would be mutually beneficial to the community and the group of artists who had become such dear friends.
When I recently found an artist co-op online that had non-profit status, it sparked a whole new exciting vision and direction for the Blue Frog. The Board Chair and Board of Directors have stepped up and are doing a great job. I'm very proud to be a part of it all."
Our non-profit mission is to stimulate and enrich the arts in and around Southern Iowa by providing high quality art workshops; art enrichment and awareness activities for the community; become a cultural destination for travelers, students, and new residents; and by offering an effective and affordable venue for local artists to exhibit and sell their wares.
We hope to achieve our 501(c)3 status in 2008. This is a special non-profit status for organizations who have a charitable purpose that serves the greater community. 501(c)3 status will allow us to apply for grants and receive donations that will be tax-deductible to the giver.
We have to give credit and a huge thank you to the Larned A. Waterman Non-profit Resource Center for providing the workshop that turned this process from appearing impossible into a very edible elephant! If you're thinking of starting a non-profit in Iowa, we highly recommend them! Richard Koontz is the bomb!
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