A Gage Mission Moment

Letter from Kathleen Allen, Executive Director | December 20, 2024

At Gage we discuss “mission moments” where Gage staff, instructors, board or community members share why they do what they do and why Gage matters to them. This letter is my reflection on why YOU do what you do. What would be your mission moment?

If you're reading this, you've likely taken a Gage class, attended an event, or have some level of interest in our community. Why is Gage and learning to make art important to you?

Art gives us so much; perhaps some of these resonate deeply with you:

  ↵  ↵  ↵  ↵

  • Enhanced creativity

  • Improved problem-solving skills

  • Stress relief and emotional expression

  • Increased patience and perseverance

  • Better observation skills

  • Boosted self-esteem and confidence​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​How does Gage make these benefits of art-making possible? 

In 2024, we embarked on a journey of growth and transformation by moving into a new location, a 14,000+ square foot accessible space in South Lake Union, filled with light and modern amenities. Since the move, our community has grown, and we have welcomed 198 new students participating in Gage classes and events.

We also moved the Magrath Sculpture Atelier to a new airy, and inspiring space in Georgetown Equinox studios.  And we expanded our Tuition Assistance program by breaking down financial barriers to taking classes and workshops.  

To continue to make Gage accessible at our two locations as well as in the community we have deepened partnerships with Summit Public Schools and Amazon Expressions, bringing art to more hearts and minds of all ages.

Learn more about what we’ve been able to accomplish in the first three months in our new SLU home.

View report >

For me, every day I witness moments that embody Gage’s mission, and I am excited to see these moments continue in 2025. We are developing innovative programs in our new downtown location, focusing on nurturing young talent, and building pathways for the next generation of artists. Your support is the heartbeat of our mission, ensuring we continue to believe that artists are made, not born, and providing the high-quality instructors and facilities that make dreams come true.  

As you think about what Gage and art making means to you, please consider Gage in your year-end giving for 2024 and in your plans make art in 2025. 

  ↵

Kathleen Allen
Executive Director, Gage Academy of Art

P.S. Hear directly from artists who have benefited from Gage:

×
❮ ❯