Your Impact
Dear Friend,
Every year at Art Works Downtown tells a story of resilience, creativity, and community — and 2025 was no exception. Guided by our mission to provide an environment where the visual arts thrive for the well-being of our community, this year we continued to strengthen the creative heartbeat of Marin. From empowering local artists through exhibitions and professional development to welcoming thousands of visitors to our galleries and events, Art Works Downtown remains a vital hub where art connects, inspires, and transforms lives.
Please consider making your first donation today—helping Art Works Downtown to provide the space, opportunities, and inspiration that keep our creative community thriving. Our dedicated staff, board, and volunteers have led us through an exciting year with much more to come!
In June, we hosted ArtRageous: Chromatic Bloom, a dazzling event attended by more than 300 guests—a true celebration of creativity and community. Watch our highlight video of the event. That same evening, we unveiled our new mural. This initiative has blossomed into a thriving public art program, and we’re thrilled that six new public artworks will be unveiled in San Rafael in 2026.
Our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan sets a clear path forward for AWD with a renewed focus on
more artist-driven events and demonstrations, bringing the creative process to life. Join us on January 18 for our Studio Showcase event celebrating Marin Art Day!
We also have renewed focus on collectors and emerging collectors, including the exciting relocation of Kim Eagles-Smith Fine Art from Mill Valley to Art Works Downtown.
All of this would not be possible without community support. With your year-end gift, you help safeguard our historic building that anchors the 2nd Friday Art Walk, strengthens programs, and expands access to the arts for everyone in our community. Every contribution—large or small—makes a tangible impact, keeping the lights on, the galleries open, and creativity thriving in downtown San Rafael.
Be the reason we can continue to provide an environment where the visual arts—and our community—thrive.
Join us in supporting Art Works Downtown by making your first donation today. Every gift strengthens our cultural home and keeps creativity alive in our community.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Elisabeth Setten
Executive Director, Art Works Downtown
P.S. The future of art in our community depends on friends like you. Please donate today at artworksdowntown.org and help shape a vibrant creative future.
The Power of Your Support
A gift of $50 helps support day-to-day operations that keep Art Works Downtown free and open, covering basics like lighting and community supplies.
A gift of $100 provides an artist membership to an artist in need, offering exhibition opportunities, professional connections, and community engagement.
A gift of $250 helps rebuild the reserve fund for long-term maintenance of the historic 1880s building, ensuring affordable studios and programs continue.
A gift of $500 funds an artist honorarium for exhibitions, workshops, or talks, ensuring fair compensation and supporting their creative work.
A gift of $1,000 provides a musician stipend for live entertainment at the 2nd Friday Art Walk, enhancing the community experience and supporting local artists.
A gift of $2,500 sponsors a public artwork in the Art Works Downtown breezeway, enriching the space and fostering community engagement through art.
A gift of $5,000 supports renovating the old electric room into a cozy artist hangout with music, creating a hub for creativity and collaboration.
A gift of $10,000 provides a two-year working artist studio to an artist who otherwise couldn’t afford one, including support for events and professional development.
Art Works Downtown is registered as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Tax ID (EIN): 68-0209855
We rely on funding from the public, including individuals and businesses, as well as charitable foundations. Donations are tax-deductible.Your support allows us to awaken creative expression, joy and inspiration; teach techniques in many disciplines; foster new works and share our love and appreciation of the arts with the public. Your contribution is local, effective - and much appreciated. Simply put, art works downtown because of you.
For donations and sponsorships, please call Elisabeth Setten at 415.451.8119x702, donate online by clicking HERE, or mail your donation to:
Art Works Downtown
1337 Fourth Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
