We’re Here for You as Stay Home, Stay Safe Continues

Stay Home, Stay Safe Continues. On Thursday, April 9, Governor Whitmer extended Michigan’s ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ Executive Order. Although this will mean Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center will be closed, we will reopen at a later date to be determined, based on the changing recommendations from the government and with a priority of the safety of our community at heart. Our team will be enthusiastically working to fulfill our mission online.

We’re here for you. Rest assured, we’ll be passionately promoting our Michigan artists, as well as sharing online opportunities and resources. In this brave new world, we’ve also learned a few lessons. Online engagement is both rewarding and challenging. In less than one month, our dedicated efforts to increase online presence have yielded increased post engagement (43%) and recommendations (50%).

While we must practice physical distancing, we crave social listening. Our team has worked to listen to artists, teachers, students, and donors. We’ve offered dozens of resources, lessons, and opportunities for Michigan artists, including the first virtual Open Art House, Art Scholarship Alert, and Michigan Collegiate Art Exhibitions Online. You can join our drawing series online now!

Here’s a quote from an art teacher, who was especially grateful for our efforts:

“I just wanted to take a moment to applaud your efforts at creating a digital gallery for Art Scholarship Alert.  I’m sure you were in uncharted waters, but I have to say that it turned out great!  Also, it was such a highlight for me to see the amazing student artwork!  During these uncertain times, it’s wonderful to fall back on all the positives in our lives.”  
Thank you and take care,
Meagan Kubu, Art Teacher Williamston High School

How about a sneak preview of what’s to come? Here’s what we’re working toward next:

We share a vision toward reopening. When it’s safe to do so, we’ll eagerly reopen to the public and offer our space for enjoyment and education in the visual arts. In the meantime, we’ll see you online, via email, Instagram, Twitter, and now in virtual meetings and online lessons. Please take a moment to give today to help make our reopening possible.

Barb Whitney

P.S. Did you know the CARES Act includes a $300 tax-deductible reward for your charitable giving this year? This makes it easier to give and save at the same time. Whether you give to Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center or to another charitable cause, know that regardless of how you file your taxes, the government is rewarding you this year for your generosity with an “above the line” deduction! For more about the CARES Act, click here.