Over the past year, Austin and the surrounding communities have watched the Austin Area Commission for the Arts change and grow.

Although sometimes this change isn’t easy, change is necessary to move forward. Fortunately the organization has wonderful supporters who have continued to stand by through our growing pains.

Thank you to all our board members, volunteers, patrons, performers, donors, members, sponsors, staff members, and everyone who has helped make the Austin Area Commission from the Arts the organization it is today and the organization it will become in the future.

Progress could not be possible without your support. In fact, we received some recent examples of this support.

More than a week ago we were awarded a $4,000 operating support grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council that will help us defer some of our operating expenses.

This past week we replaced the carpeting in the basement of the Historic Paramount Theatre through funding from The Hormel Foundation and Austin Area Foundation. Jason Culbert laid the tile and Missy Cline created a beautiful design to reflect the decor of the Paramount.

There will continue to be wonderful changes in the Austin Area Commission for the Arts’ future, including developing a plan for the long-anticipated expansion of the Paramount Theatre and changing some of our programming.

We hope to continue receiving the fantastic support we have in the past and maybe even gain some new supporters in our future.

Regardless of our organizational changes, we will continue offering great events for the community to enjoy.

Our next event will be the Great Plains Country Show featuring Austin’s own Adam Wayne Wollenburg at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22. Tickets can be purchased online at paramounttheatre.org or by calling 434-0934.