—by Mark Harris, Founder & Director of the DAC Foundation
From day one a large part of the vision for the Dixie Art Colony Foundation was to produce ONGOING, QUALITY, FRESH, and ORIGINAL CONTENT that would inspire our followers to want to invest in our future and yearn for more. Someone recently asked me, “What are some of the most prized donations the DAC Foundation has received?” My response was, “The most prized donations are the UNSOLICITED DONATIONS.”
Shown are a few of the new Carlos Alpha "Shiney" Moon items recently added to the DAC Foundation Collection.
It’s always exciting when you begin to harvest the fruits of your labor. Before publicly launching the organization, extensive research was conducted and a firm and carefully crafted footing put in place. With increased frequency, we are being contacted by telephone, email, and through Facebook by family members of Dixie Art Colony artists and collectors of their work. They are sending us letters, newspaper clippings, and photographs related to various DAC artists and their work. And in numerous cases, we have received significant unsolicited donations of Dixie Art Colony related artwork. Also, with increased frequency, we are being contacted by various periodicals interested in featuring the DAC Foundation in their publication. A recent example of this is our Summer 2019, feature article in Alabama Power Company’s Shorelines magazine.
It is also worthy to note that we are experiencing a noticeable increase in the number of invitations to “take our show on the road,” so to speak. From the beginning, we recognized the success of this venture did not rest solely on the engagement of the local community, but on our ability to engage a regional audience from throughout the Southeast. Our online presence has served us well, allowing us to reach a much broader audience. The regional outpouring of support and encouragement we have received has been tremendous.
I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our DAC Foundation Executive Committee and our other trusted advisors for their ongoing support and faith in my ability to move this exciting venture forward. Without their unwavering support and encouragement, we would not be where we are today.
Our next “LUNCH & LEARN” program will be held on Thursday, September 19, 2019, at Trinity Episcopal Church located at 5375 US Highway 231 in Wetumpka, Alabama. The optional lunch will be served at 11:30 am, followed by the program. The program will conclude at approximately 1:00 pm. There is no charge for the program or lunch. At this event, we will share some of our most recent acquisitions and EXCITING DETAILS about upcoming programs and exhibitions, and plans for the future of the Dixie Art Colony Foundation.
Dixie Art Colony Foundation, Wetumpka, Alabama