Ann Smith received a very special note on Valentine’s Day at her office of director at Featherstone Center for the Arts: a sizable gift from Fan and Don Ogilvie, with love.
According to a press release, in 2011 Chilmark residents Don and Fan Ogilvie established the Ogilvie Fund, a donor-advised fund with the Permanent Endowment Fund for Martha’s Vineyard for the benefit of institutions supporting and presenting arts and culture of and on Martha’s Vineyard. This year the Ogilvies recommended to the endowment that $27,525, be paid to Featherstone to support its capital improvement project.
Over the years, Featherstone has meant a lot to Ms. Ogilvie in particular. “Featherstone has been central to my creative life,” she said; “I taught poetry workshops for years, and with Justen Ahren, I directed the Featherstone Summer Poetry Festival.”
Just prior to Valentine’s Day, Francine Kelly, Featherstone’s previous executive director, died. Francine had hosted Ms. Ogilvie’s first show of paintings.
“It seemed a good time to give a valentine, as I call it, to Featherstone at a great time of rebirth of the physical grounds, and an expansion of programs and spirit of this great community treasure,” said Ms. Ogilvie.
Featherstone executive director Ann Smith was delighted to receive the gift in memory of her mother, Ms. Kelly.
“Fan and Don have been longtime supporters of Featherstone, and arts patrons of Martha’s Vineyard,” said Ms. Smith, who went on to explain what such generosity means to Featherstone.
“The donation will help support the Francine Kelly Gallery, which will be part of the new Art Barn. The Art Barn will be a fabulous addition to Featherstone’s campus that will not only house the new exhibition space but also staff offices, a conference room, a teaching kitchen, and two large 24-foot by 24-foot classrooms dedicated to painting and drawing.”
The press release notes that this is an example of how the Permanent Endowment partners with individuals and families to realize their philanthropic dreams. The endowment enriches the community through the generosity of people such as the Ogilvies.
Happy Valentine’s Day to Featherstone … and to the Vineyard arts community.