ACAI Studios & Gallery believes that everyone can create art. We contribute to our environment and the community's beauty, excitement, and vigor by creating art. A well-balanced society encourages creativity and artistic skills.
Founded in 2007, ACAI arose out of the need for a community ceramic arts facility. The need arose out of shrinking art budgets for public education for all ages. There is a lack of available places to learn and do ceramic art. What existed was very limited and inflexible. The requirements (equipment, kilns, & space) are out of the reach of most people. Hence the need for a specialized facility dedicated to ceramics. A ceramics studio needs space for classes, studios, exhibits, storage, and shared workspace. It needs to be available 24/7 to accommodate the nature of the ceramic process.
During 2007 & 2008, the ACAI board worked towards finding a permanent location. The most likely risk of ceramic studio failure is increasing rental costs. So the Board looked for sites that had the option to buy. One of the founders' generosity purchased a property for the ceramic art facility in 2009. After building renovation, the facility opened in June 2009. The 2,700 sq ft facility includes the space needed for a ceramics center. Since opening, we have obtained all the equipment necessary for ceramics.
Starting in 2009, we began offering a variety of ceramics classes. In 2009 we began offering children's summer clay camps. We provided a shared ceramic studio membership that is available 24/7. We started our community gallery and provided seven private studios to ceramic artists.
Our facility, focused on ceramics, provides everything needed for creating ceramic arts. Our programs include classes, workshops, memberships, and monthly gallery shows. We serve everyone in the community, including children, families, working adults, and seniors. The studio provides a place where local artists can thrive and engage with the Community.
We have established a reputation for encouraging ceramic artists of all levels. Our studio environment is a supportive place where everyone can come together. It is a nurturing, friendly place in the community.
ACAI Studios & Gallery promotes and preserves the ceramic and other arts through facilities, equipment, education, and exhibits. We provide a place for creative expression in the ceramic arts. We seek to inspire the community by encouraging creativity through ceramic arts.
Involvement and creativity are fundamental to our learning and health. Everyone has the ability for creative expression. Working with clay engages us visually, tactilely, and mentally.
Facility Costs - $40,000 rental, maintenance and utilities (unencumbered). Without a suitably equipped facility, none of our programs could exist. Although our programs help cover some of this cost, they do not cover enough. These costs include: $36,000 rent, $9,500 utilities (kiln firing 5-7 times per week), $11,000 maintenance & improvements (building, equipment kilns etc.)
Studio Memberships Program - $18,000 for scholarships. Scholarships would provide up to 10 year-long memberships and the administration costs (outreach, screening, etc.). These would help us increase inclusion and serve low income emerging artists.
Education Programs - $15,000 class or camp scholarships. These scholarships would provide approximately 100 scholarships and administrative costs (outreach, screening, etc.).
Gallery Expenses - $8,100 pay for five special shows per year. The gallery events would serve minority groups and new or emerging artists. These shows would recognize cultural-historic months. One show would be a student show for a local high school. Giving these shows would increase inclusion and educate our community about our region's rich cultures and backgrounds. This amount would help cover the operating costs of these shows. Expenses include artist support, marketing, operating, and outreach costs.
Technical Assistance - $8,000 to pay for consultants and training to make our website more accessible. Purchase equipment, consultation & training for video production. Obtain assistance in developing outreach programs to marginalized communities. This assistance will help us reach a broader, more diverse audience.
Organization name
Allied Ceramics Art Institute
other names
ACAI
Tax id (EIN)
26-1463723
Mission Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Operating Budget
$100,001-$250,000
Organization Need
Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Program, Funding: Other
Address
7425 Winding WaySacramento, CA, US