Fairmount Community Art Center Opening

 Dear Friends and Supporters,

 As we continue our mission to establish a community arts center in Fairmount, North Dakota, we want to share an important update and the reasons behind a significant change in our plans. Originally, our goal was to renovate a historic school to serve as the hub for our arts and community activities. However, after careful inspection and deliberation, it became clear that the building's structural issues were far more severe than anticipated, and the state is moving towards condemning the property.

 In facing these challenges, we discovered a new opportunity that aligns with our vision and offers a more feasible path forward—the local church in Fairmount. This building is not only in excellent condition, but it also embodies the community spirit and architectural integrity we value. The church's existing facilities and aesthetic provide a perfect foundation for our envisioned arts center, allowing us to focus our efforts on programming and community engagement rather than extensive repairs.

 Our revised project involves transforming this church into a vibrant community arts center, which will include spaces for art creation, exhibitions, and community gatherings. We aim to raise $100,000 to complete this transition. This budget covers the $100,000 purchase price of the church, with $50,000 already secured through initial pledges. The additional funds we seek will support necessary renovations, the acquisition of art supplies like pottery wheels and kilns, and the initial operational costs to get the center up and running.

 This shift not only ensures a safer investment into the community's cultural and social fabric but also allows us to utilize every dollar more effectively. By choosing a building that requires less structural work, we can allocate more resources towards developing robust arts programs and events that will benefit Fairmount residents for many years to come.

 We are committed to transparency and open communication throughout this process. Your support and understanding are crucial as we adapt our plans to meet these unexpected challenges. Together, we can create a lasting legacy of creativity and community in Fairmount.

 Thank you for being part of this journey. Your contribution will help turn the vision of the Fairmount Church Arts Project into a reality, providing a stable and inspiring space for creativity to flourish.