Letter from the Executive Director

Greetings!

In May, we began the renovation of our new offices, which will be housed on the first floor of Riverfront Museum Park, next to the main floor galleries and the RAM Store. Our hopes are to be moved into our new space by the end of July.

Originally, generous funding for this project came from various sources - support groups Friends of Rockford Art Museum and Women’s Art Board; CIP funds; and Saavedra Gehlhausen Architects, which donated its services. However, when the actual construction bids came in, costs were much higher than expected. Our Building Committee met and decided it was important to continue with the project, although we were suddenly faced with how to raise the balance of the funds without soliciting the general community.

Just when we thought we’d hit a major roadblock in the renovation process, suddenly there was light at the end of the tunnel! Dick and Lon Behr-longtime museum supporters and founders of the Patrons group-decided to give RAM funds for the new offices from the Dick and Lon Behr Fund. (Over many years, Patrons have donated to Rockford Art Museum through this fund in honor of Dick and Lon, for appreciation of their leadership of the group.) In addition, the Behrs are personally contributing to the cost of the renovation. We could not have continued with this project if it weren’t for their generous support. On behalf of the RAM Board of Trustees and staff, a heartfelt thanks to Dick and Lon Behr. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Art in the Garden is just around the corner (August 2nd) and, although the event will continue at another site next year, 2008 is the last year at La Paloma Gardens. Carina Ferrara-Furst and her committee are preparing for a fun-filled evening. Please send your reservations in soon, as seating is limited. We thank Karen Harding for four successful years in her garden.

This year marks the 60th year for Greenwich Village Art Fair (September 13th and 14th), and RAM salutes our Premier Sponsor of 15 consecutive years: Alpine Bank. We are very grateful for the many years of support and contributions. We also thank the Alpine Bank employees who, throughout the fair, greet thousands of visitors each day at the frontline. Volunteers are a key part of the success of any event, and we are grateful to the members of the GVAF Steering Committee for their years of dedication and hard work. We especially thank Scott Prine, who has chaired this event for eight years. (Please see the Support Groups page for a full listing of the committee.)

There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes on by RAM staff in support of GVAF, and we truly appreciate their hard work. Special thanks to Nancy Sauer, who celebrates her 15th year on staff at RAM this September. Bravo!

We look forward to seeing you Friday, July 11th, at the opening of the 2008 Rockford Midwestern (which marks the 70th presentation of RAM’s juried exhibition). A preview gallery walk begins at 4:30 p.m. Awards will be presented at 6:30 p.m.

Have a fun and safe summer!

Linda Dennis
Executive Director, Rockford Art Museum