2025 Annual Appeal

Dear Art Enthusiast,

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This past spring, a group of middle school students gathered around a trio of internationally renowned artists and living legends in Philadelphia graffiti art and asked the kinds of questions only kids can ask: 

 

“Did you ever get in trouble writing graffiti?” 

“How did you figure out who you wanted to be?” 

“Can you sign my sneakers?”

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Cornbread, Kool Klepto Kidd, and exhibiting artist Timothy Curtis didn’t just answer; they invited the middle schoolers to explore mark-making and calligraphy themselves. More importantly, they shared stories about growing up with nothing, trying to stay out of gangs, and finding purpose through creativity. 

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The students learned how art saved these artists when they were young. How art gave them hope, a voice, and the confidence to see themselves and the world differently. Within thirty minutes, those students were creating monikers and tags side-by-side with these master artists, discovering that their own ideas and voices matter.

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That is The Current at its best: a place where world-class art meets small-town life, where professional artists and community members learn from one another, and where creativity helps us see ourselves–and each other–with new understanding and fresh eyes.

 

Because of donors like you, these transformational opportunities are possible. 
 

You bring the artists here. You provide the calligraphy tools, the paper, the space, and the encouragement that turn ideas into art. Every program, every exhibition, every student opportunity is powered by donors like you.

Our goal is to raise $150,000 by year-end. In a time when funding for the arts is shrinking, your support is more crucial than ever. Your gift will: 
 

• Support art education so every student has the opportunity to imagine, create, and express themselves.
   

• Sustain year-round exhibitions that bring together international, regional, and emerging artists.
   

• Keep our galleries and public events free and open to all of our nearly 7,000 visitors.
   

• Invite leading voices from institutions like the Smithsonian, the MoMA, and MIT for free public lectures, panels, and conversations on issues that impact us all.
   

• Bring Artists-in-Residence to schools in Johnson, Hyde Park, Morrisville, Wolcott, Waterbury, Stowe, and beyond.
   

Art, at its best, brings people together. It helps us navigate the world and build understanding. It opens us to new ideas and experiences. That’s why what we do–together–is so important. 
 

Please make your gift today and help ensure The Current continues to spark curiosity, learning, and inspiration for all ages. 

 

With deep gratitude and high hopes,