Maggie Calhoun GMAF, Teri Nehrenz VVTG, Bunny Wiseman for MSMP, Barbara Withelder VVAA, Vicki Eckman MTTT, Gail Ashdown MAC. Submitted photo.

Maggie Calhoun GMAF, Teri Nehrenz VVTG, Bunny Wiseman for MSMP, Barbara Withelder VVAA, Vicki Eckman MTTT, Gail Ashdown MAC. Submitted photo.

As the result of fund raising activities and a generous donor gift, the Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation has $10,000 to be used to enhance the arts community in Mesquite.

The GMAF Board of Directors asked for applications for use of the funds from the five Mesquite art organizations it supports – Virgin Valley Theatre Group, Mesquite Arts Council, Mesquite Toes Tap Team, Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant, and the Virgin Valley Artists Association.

Three members of the GMAF Board of Directors reviewed the applications and awarded grants to each organization: Virgin Valley Theatre Group received $2,000 to help cover technician costs for theater performances; the Mesquite Arts Council received $2,500 to pay part of its ongoing expenses; the Mesquite Toes Tap Team received $2,000 to purchase and install mirrors in its studio and to build a permanent counter top in its dressing room; Ms. Senior Mesquite Pageant received $1,500 to cover travel costs to pageants; and the Virgin Valley Artists Association received $2,000 to help pay for art education and marketing and advertising expenses.

“We are very grateful to our anonymous benefactor who was so kind to our organization with the donation, and to all the people who supported our annual Hearts for the Arts Gala,” GMAF Board Chairperson Maggie Calhoun commented. “The committee made some very difficult decisions when they divided up the money. Each of our groups works very hard to provide Mesquite with high quality art forms throughout the community, mostly on a volunteer basis. With the money that was granted by the GMAF, each art group will be able to afford that ‘little extra’ which goes a long way towards serving the Mesquite community.”

The Greater Mesquite Arts Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance public awareness and support of and for the arts in Mesquite. GMAF is supported through volunteer efforts of fund raising, donations and some public funding through the  Nevada Arts Council, a division of the Nevada Department of Cultural Affairs.  For more information, questions about volunteering or to make a donation to GMAF, contact Maggie Calhoun at 1-360-904-1090 or visitwww.gmaf.net.