Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
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Sus and Andrea’s Excellent Annual Message: Look to the Future!
November 2025
Warm holiday greetings from your Gualala Arts Family! More than anything, you are what brings joy to our days and keeps our creative spirit soaring.
We’re proud to share that 2025 has been a vibrant year at the Gualala Arts Center and Dolphin Gallery. Through the unwavering dedication of our artists, volunteers, donors, and staff, our programs have grown stronger than ever. It was an excellent year with over 100 publicized events: 33 art exhibits, two fine arts festivals, architectural tour and wine tasting, 32 live performances including our arts in the schools program with KRONOS quartet performing for over 200 students, 6 Whale and Jazz concerts, 10 chamber performances, 16 workshops, numerous classes and interest group gatherings. And even more: the clay studio, art library and YOUR arts center galleries & sculpture gardens remain open seven days a week. We are very proud that we produced two major musicals that broke attendance and financial records in 2025 and presented 2 more theatrical performances, including a world premier of To be of Use by Julie Drucker. WOW, it is inspiring to look back on all these amazing programs!
2025 has also proven to be an active year in maintaining your Arts Center. We continued to work on our drainage and repaired and resurfaced our road to the back of the arts center, replaced 2 culverts, and are currently re-routing downspout water away from the building. Many thanks to the generosity of Bed Rock for supplies and to a local contractor who did the work. In addition, we completed replacing all the rusted joist hangers on the back redwood deck and third story fire exit, costing over $80K. So, you can see that your past donations have been put to good use–and we sure could use some help paying for future projects!
SO YES–there’s a lot more work to be done. For example, as we write this letter we are exploring additional decking options now that the infrastructure is stabilized, replacing our 200 audience chairs in the Coleman Hall, replacing our water fountain with ADA water bottle filling station, and updating our computer point of sale system and membership database. In addition, our operational costs have skyrocketed as our property insurance continues to be cost prohibitive at $76,000 annually and we face the uncertainty of increases in health care insurance.
Did you know the overhead costs of “keeping the doors open” at Gualala Arts is $1,512 each day?
We are also exploring becoming a NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum) membership organization. And that means that by becoming a NARM member through Gualala Arts you will have free access to more than 1,400 member institutions in six different countries to explore. So more wonderful benefits for all our members!
But we need your support now, dear Gualala Arts Family, to help bridge the funding gap through the end of this year and ensure that your Arts Center remains open, vibrant, and welcoming to our entire community.
Since 1961, savvy planning and your generosity have allowed us to carry out our mission to promote public interest and participation in the arts. Our long-term vision is to build a $10 million endowment—one that would sustain our operations and eliminate the need for annual fundraising appeals like this. We hope you’ll consider including Gualala Arts in your estate planning to help make that dream a reality.
We remain deeply committed to our mission and, with your partnership, will continue to bring the arts to life for generations to come. We’re already planning an inspiring 2026 and look toward the future with optimism—because YOU make all the difference.
Leading with love, prudent financial decision making, and heartfelt gratitude!
Andrea A Lunsford
President
and
David “Sus” Susalla
Executive Director
Sending best wishes for peace and love—and art!
Ways of giving:
● Remember that the IRS allows IRA owners 70 ½ years or over to transfer up to $100,000 to a charity TAX FREE each year.
● Set up recurring on-line contributions, by visiting GualalaArts.org and use a credit card or PayPal.
● Donate investments, including highly appreciated securities.
Please remember Gualala Arts in your estate planning. Our non-profit tax id is 94-6121872.
We urge you to consult your tax advisor for the federal, state and local tax consequences of your charitable contributions.
Donors, Volunteers, Board and Staff all pull together!
With your strong support we can build an inspiring future for Gualala Arts that will maintain its relevance in our community and strengthen its reputation and capabilities. (Full letter below donation options)
Contribute online now (One time variable amount) :
To set up a monthly recurring auto deduction pick amount from the drop down menu, then click “Subscribe” button:
To unsubscribe, please click the “Unsubscribe” button:
or send your tax-deductible contribution to:
Gualala Arts
PO Box 244
Gualala, CA 95445
To become a member of Gualala Arts Click here
Contribute online now:
or send your tax-deductible contribution to:
Gualala Arts
PO Box 244
Gualala, CA 95445
Please remember the “Gualala Arts Endowment Program” in your estate planning. (TIN 94-6121872)
Some giving ideas can be found here.