Paul Tichinin, Superintendent of Schools since 1994, spoke with enthusiasm about GASP, the “Get Art in the Schools Program.” He called the Arts Council “an exemplary organization.” He also spoke of how his daughter Lilli participated in dance and ballet for more than 15 years in the local community and is continuing these activities with distinction in college.

Jo Bradley, President of the Mendocino County Lodging Association acknowledged in a letter to the board that, “We are very impressed with Anna and her running of the Arts Council.” MCLA has an $800/month contract with the Arts Council to maintain the Arts Events Calendar now available at www.GoMendo.com. The Arts Council also has their own website: www.ArtsMendocino.org. Learn how you can be a part of the Arts community.

Stuart Marcus, the esteemed Chair of the Government and Community Affairs Committee
for the Mendocino County Promotional Alliance sent a letter that said, “Local arts provide economic support for local people, businesses, and far-reaching promotional opportunities.”
He acknowledged the important collaboration the Arts Council provides for activities throughout the county that benefit both residents and visitors.

Megan Barber Allende made a compelling formal presentation on behalf of the Community Foundation of Mendocino County. She talked about how the foundation’s own grants, in partnership with the Irvine Foundation, help build local economies. “The Community Foundation’s recent work with county artists and arts groups has emphasized the importance of the Arts Council in creating a viable business model for the arts.”

A number of other organizations and individuals of Mendocino County (see below) sent letters and e-mails to the Board encouraging support of the Arts Council’s funding request.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to direct county CEO Tom Mitchell to give the Arts Council request for funding a top priority in the next budget. Each supervisor spoke in eloquent terms of the importance of the Arts in Mendocino County. Third District Supervisor John Pinches (who has a well-deserved and admired reputation for being tight-fisted with taxpayers’ money) was among the heartiest endorsers of the request. This resulted in some banter among the board members and a concern that a few members of the audience might need the aid of smelling salts. Than you, John -- and all the other supervisors -- for your enthusiastic support of the Arts Council.

In addition to John Pinches, the Board of Supervisors for Mendocino County includes: Michael Delbar, Jim R. Wattenburger, Kendall Smith, and J. David Colfax. Learn more about them at: www.co.mendocino.ca.us/bos.

Immediately following the presentation, Executive Director Anna Kvinsland said "This is fantastic news for the arts of Mendocino County! We were thrilled to discover that the Board of Supervisors are committed to supporting the arts and recognize the importance of the arts in education, to the health of our community, to our economy, and for promoting cross-cultural understanding. Sustained General Operating support from the County will strengthen the Arts Council's partnership with the Mendocino County Lodging Association and the California Arts Council, and ensure that the Arts Council remains a viable and effective agency that serves our community for years to come."

Anna Kvinsland and Arts Council Board Member Hal Wagenet

Members of the Arts Council celebrate with supporters after their successful presentation to the Board of Supervisors on January 8, 2008. From left to right: Trudy McCreanor, Paul Tichinin, Rosie Wagenet, Hal Wagenet, Anna Kvinsland, Elizabeth Raybee, David Hance, Jan Stephens, Rob Lautz, Megan Barber Allende, Muriel Johnson.