Father's Day exhibit promotes arts endowment fund campaign

MCHENRY - The Garrett County Arts Council has announced the annual initiative to raise funds for its Endowment Fund for Community Arts Development. The theme of this year's campaign to benefit the nonprofit arts community is "Do It for Dad!"

An exhibit of artwork and memorabilia celebrating fatherhood at the Gallery in Oakland compliments the initiative. The exhibit will be on display through Father's Day.

The arts council established the Endowment Fund for Community Arts Development in 1998 to generate funding for community enrichment through cultural arts. Fund assets are growing and currently total $23,897, according to Steve Schlosnagle, executive director.

"All contributions to this special fund return to the community with interest, year after year," said Schlosnagle. "This year, we're asking the public to consider contributions in honor or memory of fathers." Contributions are tax deductible.

The board of directors of the arts council is responsible for investing contributions and for designating allocation of fund proceeds. Last year's fund proceeds were used to support Oakland's outdoor mural project.

"This is a small but growing fund with huge potential for the community," said Schlosnagle. "Fund proceeds this year will exceed $1,000 for the first time. Because the fund principal is used solely to generate additional returns through investment, a gift to the fund is truly a gift to the community that never stops giving."

This year's fund contributors will be the guests of the Garrett County Arts Council for an afternoon Father's Day picnic at the Gallery on June 18.

More information about the gallery exhibit and the endowment fund is available by contacting the arts council by phone at (301) 334-6580 or on the Internet at GarrettArts.com.