Arts nonprofit looks to expand support
Members of the nonprofit organization that works year-round to raise money and sponsor art programs at Brand Library & Art Center are revving up their support of the library to keep up with the growing momentum of Glendale’s art scene.
The Associates of Brand Library & Art Center was established in 1969 to support the library, and the all-volunteer group plans to expand its work to benefit the library with live dance and music events, film screenings, exhibitions and panel discussions about the state of art in Glendale.
“The arts certainly are flourishing in Glendale now,” said Arlene Vidor, president of Brand Associates. “And we’re involved in that and trying to ‘up our game,’ so to speak.”
The nonprofit’s increased determination comes about two years after Brand Library & Art Center underwent a $9.5-million, two-year renovation with new plumbing, a new electrical system and a new roof.
The restoration that the city of Glendale paid for resulted in “new excitement and energy” at the library, Vidor said.
Some first-time events the Brand Associates will host this fall will tap into that excitement to encourage locals to get involved and support diversified arts programming as members.
During a first-time membership drive on Sept. 23, the associates will pour champagne and wine and serve o’d’oeuvres to prospective members who will preview “Works on Paper,” the national, annual exhibition the associates will launch the following evening as part of its Brand 44 show, which runs through Oct. 28.
Beyond the associates’ need to attract new members in order to support exhibitions and events, Vidor said, “We want people to be involved.”
She said she is hopeful that a new free, quarterly tour of the library, hosted by international tour guide Joemy Wilson, will also result in new members.
The first tour in that series detailing “secrets of the original owners,” according to the event flier — referring to Leslie Coombs Brand and Mary Louise Brand — will be held on Sept. 10.
In the meantime, the associates also display artwork by two late Glendale artists, Robert Brown and Mary Owens, in vacant storefronts. Any sale of those pieces goes directly to support arts programs.
In addition, when art sells in the library’s gallery, 25% of the sale goes directly to funding gallery exhibitions.
“Our programs are all highly curated, so we are working with the [library’s] staff to give people experiences in music, dance, visual arts, arts films and a number of presentations that are very enjoyable and provide a sense of discovery,” Vidor said.
For more information, visit associatesofbrand.org.
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Kelly Corrigan, kelly.corrigan@latimes.com
TWITTER: @kellymcorrigan
