Fundraiser Set to Keep Center Open

The is a community-based co-op of artists that has grown in programming over the past few years.

“The artists that are involved are directly from our own community. They are your neighbors, your teachers, your local business people, people you would recognize when you walk through the door,” said Amy Hayes, TRAC executive director. “The center provides a positive community center for people to connect and build community relationships.”

The center, though, is funded completely by donations and needs your help.

To help keep the center open, the is set for July 14 and 15 at the center, 413 W. Mondamin St.

“This event is a important opportunity to raise funds to keep the doors open at TRAC's Firehouse Arts Center,” Hayes said. “Although through the generosity of the , TRAC is rent free ... the costs to keep up the maintenance and utilities at the 15,000-square-foot facility are enormous.”

The event will feature 17 bands performing over two days, and more than 10 artists will be selling and demonstrating their art. Among the art forms are ceramics, glassblowing and blacksmithing.

regulary attends the open art nights on Monday and is a volunteer at the center.

“We love volunteers, anyone who wants to volunteer is welcome to do so,” she said.

There are still tables available for artists for the event. The fee is $15 a day or $20 for both days. For more information, call Will Harvey at 815-354-5818.

Advance tickets cost $7 for one day and $10 for both and can be purchased at the TRAC Web site, www.threeriversart.org, or at the TRAC Arts Center from 1 to 9 p.m. Fridays. Tickets on the day of the event are $10 per day.