Elm Street Receives Grant from Rucker-Donnell Foundation

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village in Downtown Woodstock has received funding through the Rucker-Donnell Foundation, a Murfreesboro, Tennessee-based and nationally recognized charitable foundation, in the amount of a $20,000 grant. These funds will be used to help support construction costs for the nonprofit arts organization’s project of building a visual arts facility from the historic Reeves House.

“As Elm Street has grown, it continues to showcase Woodstock's cultural vibrancy and vitality,” Christopher Brazelton, Elm Street’s Executive Director, says. “To continue that growth, larger foundations are now stepping in because they have caught the vision as well. This gift in particular was given with the hope to help catalyze local foundations, including family foundations, to join this effort.” This property is being developed into a multi- disciplinary art center, providing a large range of arts experiences for this dynamic community. The visual arts facility will be a re-build of the historic Reeves family home once sited on the property. A new, open interior will feature a gallery for rotating exhibits, classroom and artist studios, and a coffee shop/wine bar to spark casual conversation around art. Elm Street’s current art classes operate from their administrative offices, making the completion of the Reeves House pivotal in providing a dedicated space for local artists and robust visual arts programming.

This grant continues to close the financial gap as construction is due to start within the coming months for the Reeves House project on the Elm Street site.

Brazelton has a lot of pride in the community that makes up Elm Street. “Woodstock isn't just a special place - it can be a model for other communities as well. Donors are learning more about the impact of their gift and this shows what a full-fledged arts center can look like in a suburban community.”

Elm Street was introduced to the Rucker-Donnell Foundation through board member, Michael First. He fostered the relationship with J. Kent Burklow, President and Trustee of the Foundation. Both First and Burklow are longtime residents of the Towne Lake Community. The hope for this grant is to encourage other Non-profits, National Charities, and Family Foundations to catch the Elm Street vision and participate financially. “We look forward to broadening our relationships with these types of organizations and deeply appreciate the generosity of the Rucker-Donnell Foundation and partnership with Kent Burklow.”

Elm Street Cultural Arts Village
8534 Main St. Woodstock, GA 30188
Call 678.494.4251 for More Information