Hallet Oak Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization operating Hallet Oak Gallery, an art, performing, and learning center with knowledge based S.T.E.A.M resources. Hallet Oak Foundation DBA Hallet Oak Gallery and DBA Friends of Hallettsville Downtown Revitalization
Revitalization of Downtown through arts and culture - Hallet Oak Gallery is a center for cultural arts to foster art app
reciation in the surrounding communities. Its mission is to increase art education with knowledge based S.T.E.A.M resources and create opportunities for youth and senior citizens as well as those disadvantaged by age, race, income or health to participate. It serves as an information center for visitors wishing to learn more about the art and history of the area. Through Friends of Hallettsville Downtown Revitalization it serves as a center for collecting both information and funding resources to maintain the town’s historic landmarks and to help with identifying and beautifying points-of-interest for visitors. History: The Hallet Oak Gallery has been in operation since June 2015, formed by Mieko Mahi with the help of the owner of the historic 126 year old building, Dr. Betty Edwards. The historic building houses the Hallet Oak Gallery. The Gallery is run by the help of thirteen volunteers and numerous patrons and supporters. Mieko would like to recognize the commitment and dedication of Docent and Assistant Treasurer: Aaron Riske. "Aaron keeps the doors open to the public. If it wasn't for Aaron's donation of his time from the very beginning of the creation of the Gallery, we would not be able to achieve as much as we have to date", says Mieko Mahi. The art center has visitors from out-of-town who discover local art, meet local artists and learn the history of the town. The gallery also sponsors performances by original songwriters once a month. The gallery offers monthly “lunch and learns” on topics such as copyrighting, getting published, painting, fireworks safety and others. How we formed: Dr. Betty J. Edwards, Mieko Mahi, Linda Cejka, and Claire Scoggin combined their talents to create Hallet Oak Foundation. Advisory Board Members are: Sue Pritchett, Georgia Pohl, and Darlene Immekus. Past Assistant Treasurer, Aaron Riske. Co-Founder and Retired Board Member, Alice Victors. How We Work: The Gallery plans events a year in advance to work with area school tours and art contests; and to facilitate brochure distribution on events. Sponsors and donors help with advertising and performance expense. Artists and others in the community volunteer time, expertise, and materials. The goal is to seek funders so that the teachers are not providing their own supplies and that their travel costs are covered when teaching. Arts engagement, cultural planning, and design projects from the Friends of Downtown Revitalization sector will increase art landmarks and beautification as well as added safety to our small town. Section A: Hallet Oak Gallery Monthly Activities, Current and Proposed
Promoting Hallettsville & It’s Artist to the State of Texas: Meet the Artist Every Day of the Week, except the Gallery is not open on Sundays at this time; Spotlight on the Arts Every Saturday Afternoon, free for the public. Exhibits of work by local, international, and upcoming artists selected by a panel of curating art experts. Fostering Art Appreciation Groups: Art Appreciation Movies and Lectures - free ongoing education series to the public. Donations are encouraged through membership or donations. Bringing in Interesting Expert Speakers: Monthly Lunch & Learns Priced for Senior Citizen, nominal fee to cover some of the cost for speaker
Continuing Arts Education through Curricula and Leisure Learning: To collaborate and donate supplies needed to create art, to offer scholarships and recognition to talented students and individuals. Support curriculum as needed working with surrounding schools
Encouraging Disciplined Creativity: Art Contests, nominal entry fees with awards and recognition to winners
Planning Free Community Events, free to the public such as Halloween jack-o-lantern contest and School Christmas ornament fund-raising
Engaging the Disadvantaged: Offering nursing homes, and low-income community members - offer free wall art, or art loans, donations and trips to events
Providing Activities for Active Seniors: Art Activities during the day for seniors, free for seniors,
donation encouraged
Maintaining Evolving Gallery Art Exhibit Collection: Artworks for sale, but not to exceed educational activities and free public exhibits and receptions
Downtown Musical Performances: - Music Night featuring original songwriters, nominal fee with encouraging new upcoming artist, discounts for seniors
Extend Benefit of a Historical Location: Nominal rental fee for community and private events
B) Friends of Hallettsville Downtown Revitalization Proposed Activities
Encouraging Leadership through Committees: Meeting space and office, minimum fee
Info Center: Free
Training Docents for Informative Tours: 28 hours a week to answer question, free to public
Honoring and Promoting Hallettsville’s Uniqueness: Walking tours, or guided tours with peddle car, minimal fee
Planning Conferences around Art & History: Historical conferences with book signings, with nominal fees to cover some expenses and offering discounts to seniors, teachers, and students
Planning Free Community Events - e.g. snow machine, free to public
Annual Hallettsville Chriskindlmarkt with cultural music, free to public, annual event
Encouraging Community Improvements: Seek funding for improvements downtown, i.e.: community arts, public art, or beautification projects
Promoting Welcoming Committees To help welcome tourist, visitors, and newcomers, and business to the area through welcome baskets, and social gatherings
