Why We Give

ArtStream is a small non-profit with a large scope and an exciting future.  But we cannot make our innovative work possible without your support!

• Financial Information
  • Where does funding come from?
  • What can my gift do?
  • Tax Information
• A Letter from...
• ArtStream Testimonials
  • Clients
  • Patrons
  • Volunteers
  • Organizations

Financial Information

Where does funding come from?

ArtStream is supported through three major channels:

1. Tuition, ticket sales and fees for contracted services make up about 40% of our annual income.  (FY 11-12: $135,000)
2. Foundation, Corporate and Government Grants  (i.e. The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, IBM and The Maryland State Arts Council, respectively) generously support our services. (FY 11-12: $70,000)
3. We depend on donations from individuals like you to help us make up the rest - over 40% of our income depends on you. (FY 11-12: $149,000)

View ArtStream's 2011 990 (FY 11-12)

Your gift can be large or small.

• $10 helps provide art supplies for a creative session at Allies in the Arts, the Specialty Hospital or classes at The Frost School.
• $50 pays for costumes for one actor in one Inclusive Theatre Company.
• $100 pays for our office phone and internet bill for one month.
• $250 helps a student who cannot afford Inclusive Theatre Class or Company Tuition.
• $500 sponsors our Touring Puppet Show to visit children in a hospital or hospice setting for one performance.
• $1,500 pays for one Allies in the Arts artist with supplies to visit wounded veterans and military personnel for four months.
• $2,500 pays for theatre space for one Inclusive Theatre Company.
• $5,000 helps us bring on new partnerships with worthy organizations who cannot afford the cost.

Tax-Deductions

ArtStream is a 501(c)3 charity.  All gifts to ArtStream are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

For your records, you will recieve a signed thank-you letter via mail for your donation.

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A Letter from...

Patricia Woolsey, Executive Director - November 2012

One of the most powerful indicators [of a successful non-profit] is hearing someone say, "I love ArtStream!"

Patricia Woolsey, Executive Director - December 2011

So many more people could benefit from what we do, and we want to make that happen. But to keep ArtStream healthy and growing, we need your help...

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Testimonials

From Participants and Parents...

An email from Claudia Barnes, mother of Garrie Barnes (student with the Gaithersburg Public Speaking Classes, Fall 2012)

Thanks so much for this class. Garrie has really enjoyed it. She has improved in her speaking, and she has been so impressed by the speeches of the others. Also, she has loved learning more about her fellow actors. After every class she tells me: "I didn't know that ___ liked ____." or, "Did you know that ___ is good at ____?" Group bonding to be sure!

An email from KK Kumaroo, father of Manoj Kumaroo (Actor with The Gaithersburg Inclusive Theatre Company)

Thank you for your kind and encouraging remarks about Manoj. Without the support and understanding interactions by people like [ArtStream] Manoj would have missed so many things which were his passion all these years.

...

For more than two decades he was involved in participating in dramatics every year - first through the Icarus company at the Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts, which became Imagination Stage, and then ArtStream. He made a lot of wonderful friends (and their families) during this period which I always believe gave him a lot of self-confidence as an intellectually challenged individual. Since he always interacted with everyone in a friendly fashion, he earned their respect and friendship. (I am jealous of him and wish to follow his example.)

[After being asked if we could share his comments, Mr. Kumaroo replied:]

Everything I wrote came right from my heart.

A letter from Sari Hornstein, mother of Alex Lightfoot (Actor with The Gaithersburg Inclusive Theatre Company)

Alex began his acting career some years ago now, and was barely willing at the beginning to stand in front of others, let alone speak any words. He has since found the self assurance to stand before others, first very briefly playing his harmonica, then later, uttering a sentence or two, appropriately, in the context of a play. Now, he is  participating fully as an actor in original stage productions written communally by the actors and directors. Each production has many performances, and each succeeding performance is better than the one that came before. It's absolutely thrilling to witness what the gifted ArtStream directors are able to elicit from Alex, and indeed from all the ArtStreamers I've been privileged to see over these past several years. Coming to an ArtStream performance is an experience that is joyful, funny, musical, original and highly entertaining. I could go on, but I have to stop somewhere!

Manola, on Inclusive Theatre

"I love ArtStream's Inclusive Theatre Company shows. The music, singing, dancing and acting. And the spirit of everyone onstage - it's wonderful!"

Susan Barrett, Barrett's of Alexandria

"I'm a member of the community who has no direct connection to people with special needs. A friend and I came to the Arlington Inclusive Companies' shows in 2011 knowing nothing about them - it was just a well priced ticket on Goldstar. We were blown away! I couldn't wait to see them again in 2012, and I'll definitely be back. The actors and everyone else associated with the shows put so much heart into it. It's an honor to be a part of it as an audience member."

Customer Review from Goldstar.com

5 Stars - "Heart warming to watch, and share the joy of the actors.  ArtStream provides an amazing service to the community."

(RE: The Arlington Inclusive Theatre Companies' 2011 Production, Happily Ever After and The Mystery of the Well)

Kenny, on The Arkansas Bear

I really meant it when I say I would like to see you all perform Arkansaw Bear once a month for the rest of my life. Your performance of that show made me understand life in the way that Our Town and The Road to Mecca and Billy Joel's Piano Man and Dvorak's New World Symphony have... I know what you mean about mourning. You all made me feel my heart, too.

From Volunteers...

Alex, High School Volunteer

I began working with ArtStream as a backstage assistant in the spring of 2006. My closest friend, Michael, has worked with the company from the beginning. I decided to volunteer with the spring acting class. I enjoyed it so much that I continued to assist for the spring and summer classes. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the actors and the instructor, Nicolette. I am disappointed that I did not start working with the company earlier.

Isaiah, Volunteer

The most powerful and potent art finds a way to actively engage and grow community. As a young artist, it is critical to seek opportunities that support personal and professional maturation. My time volunteering with the talented artists of ArtStream has been a highlight in my career. Sensitive, caring, and supportive, the team brings an unparalleled passion to their students and their teaching. Rehearsing with the group was often a highlight in my week because of the sheer joy and excitement shared amongst the ensemble. My time volunteering continues to sustain me as I strive to grow as an artist. Many thanks to Nicolette, Patti W., Patti K. for welcoming me warmly into the Artstream family.

From Organizations...

Sandra Bravo of The Willis Foundation

I thoroughly enjoyed the shows and watching the sheer joy the performers feel throughout their stage experience.  What they can accomplish through this form of artistic expression, is amazing.

The Willis Foundation is supported by the proceeds from fund raisers run by Willis North America employees all over the U.S. I think I can speak on behalf of my colleagues in saying giving to organizations such as ArtStream and seeing the good it does, makes us feel very good about our contributions.

Thank you for the important work you all do!

Warm regards,

Sandra

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