We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarah Matye. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarah below.
Hi Sarah, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Charlevoix Circle of Arts (CCA), an organization with a mission to cultivate a more inspired and educated community through the arts. Established in 2008 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CCA owes its existence to the dedicated volunteer efforts of local artists and community members. Their vision was to create a cultural center in the heart of Charlevoix, promoting the arts in Northern Michigan.
From its humble beginnings, CCA has grown into a vibrant community hub, providing educational arts opportunities that benefit over 6,000 people annually. The journey began with the opening of our first exhibit, Look About You, on June 20, 2008. This inaugural showcase featured works from local artists inspired by the beauty of our area—a commitment we maintain through annual exhibits like the Summer Salon.
As CCA’s Executive Director, I feel honored to be part of this journey. Growing up in Charlevoix, I experienced the absence of a local arts center. Today, as my husband and I raise our sons in this same small town, I am confident in our decision to contribute to this vibrant community, now enriched with arts and cultural opportunities.
The success of CCA is a testament to the collaborative efforts of volunteers, members, artists, donors, and community supporters over the last 15 years. Their dedication has transformed CCA into an amazing nonprofit arts organization, contributing significantly to the cultural tapestry of Charlevoix. From exhibitions to classes, lectures, and youth programs, CCA continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of our community.
Sarah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am deeply rooted in Charlevoix, and my journey into the nonprofit sector was fueled by a lifelong drive to make a positive difference in the world. Growing up, I developed a profound love for the arts, particularly dance and theater, and cultivated an appreciation for the works of artists, given my own lack of artistic skills. Fond memories include purchasing museum prints of paintings by Rembrandt and Matisse from the Smithsonian’s gift shop during my 8th-grade trip to Washington D.C. In college, I invested what little extra money I had in my first original painting at a local art fair — a cherished piece that still adorns my home today.
Returning to my hometown with our growing family, I embraced the role of Executive Director at Charlevoix Circle of Arts (CCA) in 2019, aligning perfectly with my love for the arts and dedication to community impact. In my role, I provide strategic leadership, financial management, and oversee operations to advance CCA’s mission. With two decades of experience, including roles at the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan and the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, I am able to use my knowledge of fundraising and nonprofit leadership on a daily basis.
In my capacity as Executive Director, I’ve achieved significant milestones, including a 70% growth in our donor and member base and the establishment of an organizational endowment fund for future financial stability.
Working at CCA is truly a dream come true. Our nonprofit arts organization serves as a vibrant hub, showcasing local artists, offering diverse classes, and hosting engaging events year-round. I take immense pride in our ever-evolving exhibits, the dynamic array of items in our gift shop, and the continuous expansion of classes for all ages and skill levels.
Notable additions to our offerings include the successful Art-Ventures after-school art program, demonstrating our commitment to fostering creativity among all age groups. Additionally, we’ve introduced new events to enhance our programs and exhibits, such as a Christkindl Festival, which takes place in conjunction with our Holiday Artists Market. Our growing community collaborations, including partnerships with Charlevoix Public Library, Charlevoix Historical Society, Downtown Charlevoix, and the Chamber of Commerce, have strengthened our impact on the community.
The tangible and heartening impact of CCA on the community is a testament to the unwavering support of local artists, dedicated volunteers, and the entire community. Together, we continue to cultivate a more inspired and educated community through the arts.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Our reputation within the market has been shaped by a combination of factors that highlight the unique and enriching experience we offer at Charlevoix Circle of Arts (CCA). One key element is the exceptional quality of artwork displayed in our gallery. Visitors consistently express their astonishment at the caliber of artistic talent on exhibit, contributing significantly to our positive reputation.
Furthermore, the artistic landscape of Northern Michigan plays a pivotal role in our success. The region is home to an abundance of exceptionally talented artists who contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry of our community. This local talent not only enriches our exhibitions but also fosters a sense of pride and connection among our patrons.
At CCA, we firmly believe that the arts are an indispensable aspect of a fulfilling and enriching life. Art has the power to ignite the spirit and imagination, providing a valuable means for individuals to process the world around them. Particularly during challenging times like the pandemic, art becomes a source of solace and inspiration, and our commitment to fostering this connection has resonated positively within the community.
A distinctive aspect of CCA’s success lies in our welcoming, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere. Breaking away from the stereotype of a traditional, unapproachable art gallery, we have cultivated an environment where visitors feel at ease and inspired. This approachability has been a pleasant surprise for those who may have had preconceived notions about art spaces, contributing to the positive word-of-mouth that has significantly bolstered our reputation.
The feedback we receive from our community further exemplifies the impact of our efforts. Heartening comments such as, “Thank you for building upon the offering of classes available. We are so lucky to have these opportunities in Charlevoix!” and “Beautiful exhibit! It is amazing how talented people are. Staff is so welcoming– thank you for all your efforts to create this amazing show!” serve as testimonials to the success of our initiatives.
Our commitment to meeting community needs is reflected in our participant evaluations, consistently yielding high satisfaction rates. The remarkable 96%-97% satisfaction rate attests to the quality of our programs and the positive impact we have on our visitors. Notably, our consistent growth in the number of visitors, with a significant 17% increase from 2022, underscores the expanding influence and popularity of Charlevoix Circle of Arts.
In summary, our commitment to artistic excellence, the rich pool of local talent, a belief in the transformative power of art, and a welcoming atmosphere have collectively contributed to the development and strengthening of our reputation within the market. We are grateful for the support of our community and look forward to continuing to enrich lives through the power of the arts.
Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?
At Charlevoix Circle of Arts (CCA), our commitment to sustaining a vibrant cultural hub goes hand-in-hand with our strategic approach to diverse revenue streams. We understand the importance of financial resilience in supporting our mission and ensuring the longevity of our programs and services.
Our revenue model is a dynamic blend of earned and contributed sources. Seeking financial stability, CCA actively pursues grants, memberships, donations, corporate sponsorships, and other sources of contributed revenue. This multifaceted approach allows us to engage with a broad spectrum of supporters who share our passion for the arts.
In a bid to enhance our financial robustness, since 2019, CCA has ventured into unique earned revenue streams. We lease 10 parking spaces behind the building, adjacent to Van Pelt Alley, providing an additional income source separate from our paved customer parking lot. Recognizing the potential of our versatile space, we developed facility rental options for art parties and private events. While these offerings were temporarily suspended during the pandemic, we are actively working to reintroduce them to supplement our operational costs.
Furthermore, we are expanding our earned revenue sources by facilitating outdoor artist booth space rentals. These initiatives not only contribute to our financial sustainability but also create new opportunities for artists and the community to engage with the arts in different ways.
Our commitment to financial responsibility is reflected in our ongoing efforts to reduce expenses and operate with maximum efficiency. Even as we navigate challenges, our focus remains on delivering high-quality services and programs to our community.
Earned revenue at CCA is derived from various channels, including program fees for classes and workshops, sales of art in the gift shop and exhibition gallery, income from leased parking spaces, and facility rentals. Contributed revenue sources, on the other hand, encompass donations, memberships, grants, fundraising event income, and sponsorships.
As part of our sustained efforts, we conduct regular membership drives, host year-end appeals, and organize in-person fundraising events. These activities are crucial in renewing and expanding our network of supporters, ensuring that the community remains an integral part of our journey.
In essence, Charlevoix Circle of Arts is not merely a cultural institution but a resilient and adaptive entity that recognizes the importance of a diversified revenue portfolio to foster artistic expression and cultural enrichment in our community. We are committed to continually exploring innovative avenues to support our programs and maintain the vibrancy of the arts in Charlevoix.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.charlevoixcircle.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlevoixcircle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CharlevoixCircleOfArts/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CircleofArts
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKci73ghGQeN–L2WMTwdXg?view_as=subscriber