PRELIMINARY THOUGHTS: I thought it would be of value to you to hear some the thoughts I have been having since this selection process started. Keep in mind that thus far my knowledge of the organizations recent history and its activities is limited. Consider this "brainstorming" on my part. These ideas may give you deeper insight into the skills and experience that I would bring to the position. I. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: FUND RAISING: The construction phase may be an opportunity to raise funds for the organization. A walkway, or a wall could be designated for "donor" bricks to be installed. A fee schedule for each brick. The "donors" name would be imprinted in the brick which would be a permanent part of the building. This is an important way to give people in the community a sense of "ownership" in a new building. In the case of an arts facility, we may want to consider using the services of a local ceramics artist to produce the bricks. We might even consider the instillation of the donor bricks as part of an artistic statement. The funds could be earmarked for equipment purchase for the new building or for any other un-restricted financial need. Perhaps this could be the beginning of a long term endowment fund for the organization. PERCENT FOR ART: Does Yuma have a percent for art ordnance? Many city governments across the nation have implemented programs that designate a percentage of the construction cost for art. If no such ordnance exists have the designers considered the inclusion of art in the construction process?

II. PROGRAMS: YOUTH COMPUTER PROGRAMS: There is a very successful program in San Antonio (SAY SI) that provides computer graphics experiences to young people. The annual student exhibit results in significant sales each year for the participants. The students also donate their time to develop letterhead and logos for local nonprofit organizations. I myself have worked with elementary school children and computers and the interest level was very high. The recent developments with the Apple computers in digital video and music capabilities now make the technology accessible. But of course equipment costs money. One of the possible funding sources may be with the U.S. Department of Labor. A strong case could be made for computer training in the arts as a way of developing important job skills for young people. Such a computer program would generate a great deal of excitement. Even if the schools now provide some computer training, the demand for computer time with young people would insure capacity participation. ELDERLY-COMPUTERS: Computers provide many options for the elderly. First, its a quiet passive activity that does not require much body movement. Second, it's a tool the elderly can use to document their memories, and family histories. Web site can be economically built to house the family history and archival photographs that can be shared across great distances through the wonder of the Internet. The same equipment that the young people would use, can be used to implement the program with the elderly. ELDERLY-EXHIBIT Many elderly (over 50) individuals spend time creating art work. Here is an example of an exhibit for individuals over 50 years presented by an arts center in Texas called, "Seniors through all seasons". CHILDRENS ART: In Denton, Texas one of the arts councils most successful programs is the annual, Childrens Wildflower Exhibit. Schools throught the entire community participated. Arts professionals are utilized to judge the entries. The winners and the best work is exhibited in the Art Center. Public recognition of creative skills for a young person can leave a positive lifelong impression. It's an exciting way of involving young people, schools and teachers in the creative process. SOCCER ART: In Dublin, Ohio, the arts council co-sponsored a childrens art competition that was connected to that cities soccer team. Robert Warzycha and Brian Maisonneuve, Midfielders for the Columbus Crew, jurored the World Cup Student Art Competition. Artwork chosen by the professional soccer players will appear at an international exhibition of student art during the World Cup Semi-Finals in Saitama, Japan. The entries from Dublin will be the only student art representing Ohio, and the United States of America. SOUTHWESTERN: In the telephone meeting I believe I heard someone mention the desire to bring back the contemporary exhibition called the "Southwestern". The title may be different, but I recall this was one of the states most respected exhibits of contemporary art. This is the kind of exhibit that we could seek funding assistance from the Andy Warhol foundation. More content will be added from time to time, so keep watching. Please feel free to address some of the comments with this  Email  program: