Dear <<First Name>>:
During this season of harvest and reflection on our past seasons’ work, we thank you for your support of the Kingston Midtown Arts District. It’s been six years since we first began our work. All along we have been a grassroots organization with a primary focus on supporting our growing community of artists and on bringing the arts to the community at large. Here is a snapshot of what we have been up to in 2019.
 Education is a large part of our goal to involve the community in the arts. MAD’s merger with The Department of Regional Art Workers earlier this year is growing the reach of The D.R.A.W.’s year-round art programs. The D.R.A.W.’s interactive and exciting art classes are all offered at the YMCA, thanks to the Y’s great generosity in providing two ample size rooms in the heart of Midtown.
 An important component of The D.R.A.W. is its Pop Up Gallery Group (PUGG) program for mentoring local youth. Teenagers learn about the economy of art-making, develop social skills such as teamwork, and build confidence and self-esteem. These D.R.A.W. programs are offered on a sliding scale so no one in our community is ever denied a meaningful art experience because they cannot afford it. We are extremely proud of the work of our program directors, Lara Giordano and JoAnna Ruisi, who guide these successful initiatives. Thanks to your help and meaningful financial support, these programs are flourishing and growing.
 Our Celebration of the Arts EXPO held in August was wildly successful with more than 400 participants from the local community experiencing art workshops run by 23 local artists. These artists came to SUNY Ulster to offer everything from pottery making and acting classes to hip-hop dancing! Everyone got to experience the pleasure of making things and getting to know each other better. All our artists were paid through sponsorships and two grants. Many of you helped us with this important community-building event and we are grateful for your generosity. We couldn’t have held it without you.
 Part of our mission is to work with existing organizations and help them with their work. During the last year, we helped many others move their art projects forward, including setting up art shows during Black History Month and helping with Made in Kingston and Art Walk. We frequently collaborate with the City of Kingston Arts Commission on their initiatives, including successful art openings, exhibits and artist talks at City Hall.
 We have brought a measurable positive impact to Midtown and to the City of Kingston. Two of our MAD board members were honored with awards from RUPCO in October as Community Partners. Both were praised for their community service to Kingston. It speaks of the unifying impact of MAD and again proves how when we work together, good things happen. Your support has helped us strengthen and improve Midtown.
 Our Board held its first one-day retreat with a facilitator. During our retreat, we solidified what is next for MAD and identified our goals for the years ahead. We reflected on how this little grassroots organization of volunteers has become an important part of Midtown: we have built bridges into every neighborhood through leadership in the arts.
We hope you will consider a year-end donation to help us continue to create art programs and community events for people of all ages. All our efforts are designed to build unity, bolster awareness of the value of the arts, and increase pride in our area. We are in this together and with your help we will continue to build a city we can all be proud of!
With gratitude,
Anne
President
Kingston Midtown Arts District Board
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