Sep 6, 2015 2 min read

The broad brush of economics painted WashArts into an inescapable corner.

In a statement issued Saturday evening, the board of directors of Washington Community Arts and Cultural Center said it was shutting down operations as of Sept. 15 because of finances. Children and adult classes will be canceled and the WashArts building in downtown Washington will be sold to help satisfy debts.

The directors made their decision last week.

Founded in 2002, WashArts has offered classes in painting, pottery, music, dance and other arts at 70 South St. for the last several years.

The organization strived to serve youth regardless of their financial circumstances.

The board said, in part: “These actions are necessary after it became clear that income from activities, classes and fundraising could not offset monthly obligations for salaries and expenses associated with the WashArts facility. Several well publicized grants from the Benedum Foundation were consistent with the goals of WashArts but did not provide operational funds to the organization to offset expenses.

“All obligations for these grants having been fulfilled, WashArts was able to turn over grant administration of these projects to other parties within the community.”

The statement went on to say the sale of the building and other assets accumulated “will allow WashArts to satisfy all outstanding obligations that exist as a result of the operation of the organization. Any surplus from the sale of assets will be donated to an appropriate and like-minded organization in accordance with the WashArts bylaws.”

The directors thanked the founder, Sandee Umbach, for her efforts in growing WashArts. Umbach stepped down in February 2013 after moving to Nashville, Tenn. After she left, the board said it “continued to pursue the original mission. Tougher economic times, however, necessitate this most recent action.”

Contacted Saturday evening, board president Rueben Brock had high praise for the organization. He said in an email: “For well over a decade, WashArts provided art education and enrichment to the greater Washington community. Countless children and adults took classes in painting, dance, pottery and everything in between. I couldn’t be more proud of what the organization was able to accomplish during it’s tenure.

“… When the community was no longer able to support our mission financially, we were no longer able to sustain the operation. … We did a good thing for as long as we could.”