The Arts Barn Legacy Campaign is raising funds to refurbish seating in Gaithersburg’s 99-seat upper-level theater, with a goal of $25,000 toward a $50,000 project, and will host a fundraising event, “Conversations of Love,” on Feb. 28 featuring live music, wine tasting, and a silent auction.
Per the news release: “If you’ve ever attended an event at the Arts Barn’s theater n the Kentlands, you know what an exceptional place it is. Celebrating more than 20 years of culturally enriching Gaithersburg and the surrounding DMV community, the venue is an active multi-use gathering place for the arts. To keep the momentum going for future generations, and following the generosity of donations to acquire a new grand piano, the Legacy Campaign established last year to support needed theater enhancements is continuing the project with the refurbishment of seating in the 99-seat upper level theater.
Home to music, theatre, film, comedy, magic and family and children’s events, the theater requires updated seating to provide a comfortable and safe environment for the myriad of performances. The Arts Barn theater supports local, regional and national musicians as well as hosts a singer-songwriter series. It brings together community and professional theatre artists in partnership with the Kentlands Community Players, Montgomery Playhouse, Amazing Theatre Company, Best Medicine Rep, Rockville Musical Theatre, Damascus Theatre Company and more for a variety of performances. The annual Manhattan Short Film Festival is held in the theatre as well as the new Gaithersburg Film Festival coming in April, the Young Artist Awards Concert, dance, chorus, comedy and special events for families such as art workshops, story times, summer camp, and seasonal productions. And don’t forget the rentals of the Arts Barn theater for recitals, birthday parties, graduations, Kentlands Film Society and many meetings. In total, thousands of patrons since 2003, including 4,000 youth in summer camps and a million artists and visiting arts lovers, have enjoyed the riches! It’s now time to leave a legacy for the next generation.
n Friday February 28, you can support the Arts Barn’s refurbishment project by attending ”Conversations of Love” a festive evening of great wine, art and jazz. Renowned singer and musician Don Dillingham, songstress Tacha Coleman Parr and his band will perform a set of beautiful jazz standards perfect for February’s season of love, accompanied by a fantastic wine tasting with Black Ankle Vineyards, delectable hors d’oeuvres and desserts and a silent auction. This event is sure to sell out and seating is limited. For tickets, please contact [email protected] or call the Arts Barn at 301-258-6394.
The Arts Barn’s Adopt a Theater Seat program fundraising goal is $25,000 toward a $50,000 refurbishment plan and seeks donors to contribute towards keeping the theater current. There are many ways you can help–buying a theater seat, giving to the theatre fund, and providing support at any level. Gifts can also be made in honor or in memory of a loved one. With a $500 contribution, your name will be installed on a theater seat plaque, for $250 your name will be installed on a theatre lobby plaque, and for $100 there will be digital/print recognition. During the holiday season and in the new year, please consider a donation to help meet this goal and continue to enrich the community. Your gift will truly make a difference. Donations are managed by Gaithersburg Parks, Arts & Recreation Corporation (G-PARC), a 501 (c) (3) that promotes awareness, engages public and private partnerships and raises resourcing to support parks, arts and recreation initiatives within Gaithersburg. To donate and for more information, visit https://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/about-us/city-facilities/arts-barn/arts-barn-legacy-campaign or contact Linda Bloom, Arts Administrator at the Arts Barn.”