ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
OUR MISSION STATEMENT:
To encourage emerging artists to continue to purse their passion to create art through painting, drawing, ceramics, digital works and sculpting using scholarships, grants, awards or programs that support the art community.
What started with a simple wish to begin a scholarship in Ian's memory grew into much more than we could have anticipated.
In order to have more control over our awards & grants, we formed the Ian M Hassett Foundation. The Foundation was officially recognized by the state of California onJune 12, 2013 (almost one year following Ian's death).
For the first few years, we offered a $1,000 art award to local High School Seniors, along with a $1,000 art grant through the Santa Maria Art Council Grant Showcase each May. With the restructuring of the Santa Maria Arts Council, we offered two art awards, directly from our Foundation, each Spring to graduating High School Seniors. We have condensed that into one (1) Art Award in the amount of $2,500.
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For several years we were able to expand our Programs to include the Artist Exchange, UnSeen No More gallery shows, the stART - Igniting a Passion for Art program for adults with disabilities and partnering with other art organizations to sponsor student mentorship classes in the Santa Maria Valley. Circumstances have forced us to close our programs, but due to the generosity of our community and the diligence of our Board, our Endowment Account will continue for many years to come, allowing us to continue our Art Awards in Ian's memory.
If you would like to support the Foundation with a tax-deductible donation, and see this Art Award grow and continue, please use the Donate button.
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Board of directors
Eric Hassett - Executive Director
Stefanie Hassett - Finance Director
Amy Smith, CIA - Board Secretary
Gary Laier. P.E. - Corporate Operations Director
Autumn Jennings - Artistic Director
Vicky Laier - Board Member
Janice Borsch, CPA - Board Member
Gabby Dixon - Board Member