OCAC is a grass roots arts organization. There are many volunteer opportunities available. For more information please contact Caroline Croswell at (513) 524-8506 or click here to download our Volunteer Application.

The public segment of the Oxford Community Arts Center’s Phase II Renovation Campaign began Friday, September 11th with a reception at the Center. We invite YOU to participate in this important effort to continue improvements at the Center. Below we outline the projects and the monies pledged so far. Please take time to read this information carefully and to reflect on the Center’s importance to you and the community.

During this segment of the Campaign we hope to raise a minimum of $75,000 to help meet our goal of $550,000 by the end of 2009. Phase II renovations at the Center will be ongoing as we campaign. The Phase II Renovation’s schedule follows priorities set by the Board’s Facilities and Restoration Committee and addresses the most critical building needs. These renovations consist of three groups of projects:

• Weatherization items; east entry door improvements; sealing the elevator room floor - $10,000.
• Storm drainage repair; addition of second theater exit; down spout & gutter repairs/replacements; northwest façade restoration test area; porch repair & improvements; kitchen improvements; first floor area development & corridor improvements; soffit, fascia, frieze, entablature & molding repair - $295,000.
• First floor window replacement/reconstruction; first floor air conditioning - $245,000.

Improvements to the Art Center facility through 2008 have included: the addition of an elevator, handicapped accessible restrooms, and a fire-suppressant sprinkler system; improvements to the heating, electrical and plumbing systems. There were also substantial improvements involving the grounds. The cost for these initial
improvements was approximately $1,400,000.

The Board of Directors and Campaign Committee have unanimously supported the Phase II Campaign with pledges totaling $100,000 toward the $550,000 goal. A group of lead donors has pledged approximately $125,000. A grant of $40,000 from The Greater Cincinnati Foundation and an appropriation of $15,000 by the City of Oxford have already been received. Other foundations and grants are being sought for additional funding with a goal of $75,000 to be raised during the public segment of the campaign.

Finally, $174,000 has been allocated by House appropriation in the State Legislature. This allocation will be administered through the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission. In order to qualify to receive these funds, the Phase II Renovation Campaign must reach a goal of $348,000. The Board expects to meet this goal in the near future. We hope you will decide to participate in the Phase II Renovation Campaign by completing the enclosed pledge form and returning it in the accompanying addressed envelope.
We are excited about the future of the Oxford Community Arts Center and its increasingly important role in our community life. Please join us in this campaign.

Your OCAC Phase II Campaign Committee: Margaret Barrier, Nora Ellen Bowers, Caroline Croswell, John Curry, Richard Daniels, Jeff MacDonald, Sarah Michael, Betty Rogers, Sue Momeyer, Jack Southard, Sallie Wadsworth and Jack Williams.

ARE YOU A SUPPORTER OF THE ARTS?

When people look for a place to establish a business or bring their family, they look for an area that has activities for children, entertainment for adults and interesting activities for the entire family.  It has been proven time after time that a vital arts environment attracts businesses, both large and small, to a community.  You can find entertainment, art, music, dance and theater at the Oxford Community Arts Center.

The Oxford Community Arts Center brings the arts and arts education to area residents.  Performers from the Cincinnati Opera, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and others performed and informed families.  Second Friday Open Studios invite the community to see 30 local artists in their studios, participate in an art gallery opening, and hear the music of local bands as well as view the works of young artists from area schools—all for free.  The Center’s theater features productions by OxACT (Oxford’s community theater group) and the Oxford Youth Theater.  Art studios provide creative space for local artists.  The Center sponsors the Oxford International Film Festival which has brought hundreds of people to Oxford.  A Flowing Grace Dance Studio provides classes in movement and dance for children of all ages.  In the Children’s Experiential Garden, children learn how to improve their environment and their society by raising healthy food and beautiful flowers.  Community groups perform or hold meetings at the OCAC.  Individuals rent rooms for family gatherings.  These activities attract people to Oxford and attract businesses who wish to locate in our community.

The Oxford Community Arts Center daily receives more requests for space and programming than can be accommodated.  Your support can make the difference by providing: scholarships to children’s classes; further renovations of the Arts Center’s historic building; funds for continued operations including salaries, utility bills and maintenance costs.  Your contribution is vital!

You may have seen the changes in the past two years.  The building is now handicapped accessible.  Walls are patched and painted.  The number of people attending events at the Arts Center doubled in 2007.  By June of 2008, as many people visited the OCAC as in all of 2007.  The momentum keeps building!  Afterschool art and writing programs and more performances continue to draw ever larger audiences to the Center.

Now is the time to become involved.  Contributions come in many ways.  First, write a check!  Multiply your contribution by getting your company to match it.  Does your company provide sponsorships to area charitable organizations?  Let us know.  Does your company provide paid release time for you to volunteer for a community organization?  Have you been looking for a way to give back to your community by sharing your talents and skills?  Help bring the joys of theater, art, dance and music to your children and grandchildren.  Nurture your own creative spark.  Now is your opportunity! Below is a DONATION FORM in PDF format. Please download and send a check to OCAC, P.O. Box 172, Oxford Ohio 45056.   We also accept MasterCard and Visa. Call 513-524-8506.

Thank you!