WashArts funds will move to nonprofits
Washington Community Arts and Cultural Center, a once-popular organization serving youth and adults, ceased operations a year ago. But the nonprofit, officially, still exists – and will until all outstanding legal and financial matters are resolved.
The WashArts board of directors took the final step toward dissolution.
In an email Saturday to the Observer-Reporter, Rueben Brock, president of the board, said the panel approved a plan to distribute its remaining funds to nonprofits with similar missions. Pennsylvania law says nonprofits intending to dissolve must do just that.
WashArts, according to Brock, previously sold its building at 70 South St., Washington, and completed all other financial obligations. That building is now occupied by JB Mechanical Inc., a heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing company.
The board will donate $12,000 to Washington Health Systems Teen Outreach Program; $12,000 to the Therapeutic Gardens of Washington County Health Center; and $6,000 to Washington School District for an artist-in-residence program.
After dissolution is approved by the state, the WashArts board will transfer the remaining funds to Washington County Community Foundation to create a WashArts Legacy Fund. The foundation will manage that fund, estimated to be about $150,000, and Washington School District will be the sole beneficiary.
Founded in 2002, WashArts offered classes in painting, pottery, music, dance and other arts.
“It is bittersweet,” Brock said in the email. “We are sad to see an end to WashArts, but we are very pleased that the mission and legacy of the organization will be able to live on in perpetuity. The major part of the mission of WashArts was to provide art instruction to the children of Washington, regardless of their ability to pay. This plan honors that mission. That, to me, is a beautiful ending to this story.”
To donate to the WashArts Legacy Fund, call Washington County Community Foundation, 724-222-6330. For other information, call Brock, 724 225-3544.