Major changes to the operations of the board and their mission came as a result of COVID-19. Much of their work involves fundraising efforts for a school grant program. Many of their standard fundraisers were not possible with COVID-19 protocols in place. Their popular Brews and Brushes Art Battle, February Chocolate Fes and Art Auctions had to be put on pause. It limited not only where events could be held, but also when. “Fundraising is more complicated. You need five times more space and two times more staff for sanitizing for indoor events, which makes those difficult,” Jenn Crandall said. Not being able to host events inside made hosting events in the winter impossible.
There was one positive to the pandemic: it forced more creative thinking for possible fundraisers. “Last year we held our annual art auction entirely online and it was our most successful one to date.” Seeing this degree of success, the board opted to hold this year’s auction fully online again, even with the current loosened restrictions. Hosting online also made events accessible to more people in the Aroostook County community. It allowed people who lived farther away from Presque Isle to participate, all from the comfort of their own homes.
Even with the changes to their fundraising format, support has remained the same. All approved grant requests have been funded at least partially. No one has been turned away due to a lack of funding. This is thanks to the continued support from local artists and the community at large. “Artists have been very willing to donate their time or their talent when we ask. We’re also fortunate enough to have a community that supports the arts,” Judy Kenney said.
