Non-Profit Status Granted To Area Art Organization

Jane Ryder (left) and Sarah Kargol (right) spend some time working on their latest works at the Oskaloosa Art Center, located in the old Heartland Square Mall on the east side of Oskaloosa.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – It’s an exciting time for FACE (Fine Arts & Cultural Events) of Mahaska County. The group recently received some exciting news that their status was approved as a non-profit 501(c)(3) entity.

In the eyes of the IRS, a 501(c)(3) is exempt from federal tax if it’s activities have the following purpose: Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations.

FACE can trace its roots in the community back to 2003 when it was then known as the Oskaloosa Arts Fellowship.

FACE brings several different art related events to the community, including the Skunk River Arts Festival, Up & Coming Artist Show, Young Artist Workshop, along with hosting several galleries throughout the year in such places as Wilcox Library and the George Daily Auditorium.

Sarah Kargol, OAC Director (Oskaloosa Art Center) for FACE, says that the group is now able to apply for grants that are available to nonprofit organizations. Kargol said that grant money would open up the possibilities of getting art into the community, which is a mission of FACE.

The hope, if funding is available, is to host a summer art camp, gallery shows, and potentially an artist in residency. Right now, the Oskaloosa Art Center and FACE are looking at an unwritten book, and they hope to fill those pages with great things for and in Oskaloosa.

FACE also looks forward to being a part of the re-branding of Oskaloosa, and helping to build an arts and culture commission in conjunction with the Oskaloosa City Council.

The group hopes to incorporate art into the community as a way of building and beautifying the community. To members like Jane Ryder, it’s about building an appreciation for art within the community and its benefits, such as mental development for children. “It’s just good for everyone,” says Ryder.

At the Oskaloosa Art Center, FACE holds many programs there throughout the month. Recently, they held Art Uncorked, Knitting Night and a Design a T-shirt night at the facility. You can learn more about the Oskaloosa Art Center via their Facebook Page HERE.

If you want to know more about FACE, or donate to their effort to bring art to the community, you can find out more information on their website HERE or their Facebook Page HERE.