Struggling Dexter Arts Center Forced to Close Doors

A key problem for the center was obtaining 501(c)3 nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service.

After months of dwindling revenue, the Dexter Arts Center officially closed its doors to the public on June 20. "We just wanted to let everyone know that we have never heard from the Internal Revenue Service on our 501(c)3 status. As a result, we have lost our lease, since we were unable to raise enough operating funds," DAC board president Pam O'Hara said in an email to members. "We want to thank the board for their hard work in trying to get the art center off the ground and a big thank you for all of those who took the classes we offered." In March, DAC board members announced that the center had roughly $260 left in its operating fund and was waiting on the status of its nonprofit application in order to move forward with classes. The …

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Dexter Arts Center Board Debates Closing Doors by April

Low participation in programs has left the center with a dwindling budget.

Outlook for the continuation of the Dexter Arts Center (DAC) remains grim, board members announced at a meeting Monday night. Board Treasurer Lisa Wandres said the center is $260 short of its March rent, with funds expected to completely dry up in April. "Are we able to survive for the next few months? At the rate we're going, I'd say no," Wandres said. Board members are eagerly waiting response from the IRS on the status of the center's 501(c)3 nonprofit application, which it submitted in June 2011. Pam O'Hara, acting president, said the board was contacted in February and has until March 12 to respond to several questions from IRS representatives. “We are a Michigan nonprofit, however we need the 501c(3) in order to qualify for other …

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Aubree's Pizza Holds Fundraiser Benefitting Dexter Arts Center

Aubree's will donate 15 percent of customer sales to the arts center on Feb. 20 and Feb. 21.

Dexter Arts Center Board Members Say Future is Uncertain

One year after opening its doors, the Dexter Arts Center is struggling to recruit participants for its monthly programs.

When the Dexter Arts Center opened its doors to the public a little more than a year ago, classes were filling to capacity and support and participation was on the rise. By all indications, the arts center was a succesful endeavor. Flash forward to 2012 and the center is now struggling to keep its doors open amid a slow economy and dwindling workshop registration numbers. Pam O'Hara, president of the Dexter Arts Center Board, said the board's decision to keep the center afloat hinges on receiving 501c(3) nonprofit status from the federal government. “We are a Michigan nonprofit, however we need the 501c(3) in order to qualify for other grants," O'Hara said. "With this status we are able to except monies from the community and other sources…

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