Bellevue Arts Museum Launches New Funding Campaign

BELLEVUE, WA.- After five successful years under a revitalized mission focused on art, craft and design, Bellevue Arts Museum is launching a new funding campaign to secure the institution’s continued vitality. Entitled Three for Three, the campaign’s goal is to raise $3 million in three-year pledges for 2010 through 2012 by November 30, 2010. It has been kick-started by the Klorfine Foundation, the Berger Family Foundation, the Edelheit family and many other board members and friends of the Museum who have already jointly pledged $2 million in support of BAM’s vibrant future.

“Five years ago, we were approached with a vision,” says Klorfine Foundation Officer, Norma Klorfine. “Today we can realize an accomplishment and make sure that BAM continues to thrive.” Al Berger of the Berger Family Foundation adds that, “Three for Three ensures that BAM will sustain its solid financial footing over the next three years. I hope that it will inspire others to support the Museum’s bright future.”

Since 2005, the Museum has become one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions in the field of art, craft and design and a treasured community center. Of over 50 exhibitions presented to date, four exhibitions conceived by BAM have traveled to other museum venues, introducing on-the-rise artists to new audiences across the nation. Committed to fostering artists living and working in Pacific Northwest, the Museum has highlighted 26 regional artists in solo exhibitions. With 14 exhibition catalogues published to date, including an award winner from the American Association of Museums, BAM is recognized as a vital contributor to the national conversation on art, craft and design. In five short years, BAM has served nearly two million people through its multi-faceted exhibitions and programs, including the annual Bellevue Arts Museum artsfair, a celebration of community and art that has grown to be one of the largest art festivals in the Northwest. The recent appointment of long-term curator Stefano Catalani as Director of Curatorial Affairs/Artistic Director guarantees the continuation of the Museum’s artistic vision and excellence.

“The timing for this new funding opportunity couldn’t be better,” says Executive Director/CEO Mark Crawford. “By securing a three-year funding base, we are able to obtain world-class traveling exhibitions well in advance. We will continue to expand our educational and community programs, many of which are free of charge. Plus, the Three for Three campaign sends a powerful message to our community that we are sustainable and have the support of a loyal base of contributors. Our deepest gratitude goes to those who have supported the Museum and have made this moment possible. It is my hope that their commitment will motivate others to make multi-year pledges.”

2010 continues to bring a multitude of new exhibitions and programs to BAM, including the current, first-ever public presentation of the prestigious Northwest Art Collection of the Junior League of Seattle. This year also marks the inaugural edition of BAM Biennial, a new, juried exhibition competition that brings exposure to artists and craftsmen in the Pacific Northwest. In fall, BAM will present the work of renowned Seattle artist Ginny Ruffner. The 64th annual Bellevue Arts Museum artsfair, held July 23 – 25, features new free community programs in addition to over 300 artist exhibitors. Other 2010 highlights include the new ArtsNexus program in conjunction with area non-profits and Finally Friday, a dynamic evening of music, performance, art and conversation.