Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts (Formerly the Crystal Lake Art Center) in Frankfort, Benzie County
TYPE OF GRANT
$75,000 Capital Projects Grant, renovation of former
December, 2008 – U.S. Coast Guard Station/Phase I
June, 2011 – $40,000 Capital Grant, building renovation/phase II
TOTAL LEVERAGE
By the fall of 2011, the ELOCA anticipates reaching its $2.9M project goal. In addition to Rotary Charities’ two key grants, the center directly leveraged a $98K HUD grant, facilitated by then West Michigan Congressman Pete Hoekstra; Oleson and Biederman Foundation grants from Traverse City; as well as several family foundation grants from the Beulah County region. Numerous private donors also contributed to the Coast Guard station renovation.
SUMMARY
The nonprofit ELOCA serves a variety of stakeholders, from year-round and semi-permanent residents, to the thousands of tourists that visit Benzie County every summer. Even the traditionally slower shoulder seasons are experiencing increased tourist traffic. A week-long water color workshop is planned for this fall. Its mission is to promote and advance the arts in the county through educational classes, workshops, shows and exhibits. The ELOCA collaborates with various country organizations to serve as a community convener, and as a legitimate county icon has even morphed into a popular wedding reception site, which generates revenue and helps sustain the organization.
COMMUNITY NEED
Since 1948 the Art Center has served Benzie County, while always mindful of the issues of growth and service. When the U.S. Coast Guard vacated its familiar quarters at the headwaters of Frankfort’s Betsie Bay, the enterprising city of Frankfort assumed ownership. ELOCA became the logical occupant for a number of reasons, not the least of which was its importance to developing the region’s sense of place with its arts and community center out reach, as well as educational programs.
Chris Gentry, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts
“What I see….”
“The Charities’ grants provided us with credibility. A big part of giving is having the confidence that the project you’re supporting is going to succeed. A Rotary grant means something. And it gave our donors that confidence in us that we needed.
“We don’t even know all the things we’ll be doing here in the future. We’re reaching out and forming associations with various regional groups. Frankfort has a very energetic and enterprising vision for the future. And we’re delighted to be a part of it all.”
