11/19/2025
Dear friends & neighbors,
I am thrilled to share news of a new chapter in our organization’s story, one that reflects both our roots and our expanding vision for the future.
Over the next three years, Methow Arts will launch a transformational initiative that will extend our geographic reach, deepen our impact, and ensure that the arts continue to flourish across some of the most rural and culturally rich communities in Washington. This includes the opening of a satellite office and creative hub in downtown Omak/Okanogan and the addition of a halftime Creative Economy Program Manager dedicated to expanding programming and access. Our satellite office will act as a fulcrum connecting the amazing programs and organizations in the upper Okanogan to the Methow Valley. As a result of this initiative we will also be working on a rebrand for the organization and are excited for our community to give their input in that process.
This evolution is inspired by what we’ve learned from you: our partners, students, families, artists, and community members. You have shared your hopes for more accessible arts programs, impactful partner collaboration, stronger support for creatives, and expanded opportunities for young people to thrive through the arts. This project is our response: bold, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that creativity is a catalyst for connection, opportunity, and community well-being.
Over the last year and a half, our board of directors has worked to define our strategy for the future; our staff has listened and shown up in community; and our partner, the Icicle Fund, stepped forward to join you in backing this work. Earlier this year, I wasn’t sure if our plan was possible, but thanks to you and our community of supporters we have this incredible opportunity.
Methow Arts is humbled to be able to make this investment to strengthen arts and culture across the entire county, especially in this season of deep and unprecedented funding cuts in the arts at the state and national levels. Thank you.
We will continue to anchor our work around our three core program areas:
Arts in Education
We remain deeply committed to ensuring that every student across the region has access to high-quality arts learning. With this investment, we create a stopgap measure for our Arts in Education program, filling the gap left by major federal and state funding cuts across sectors that have historically supported this work. In addition, this plan creates capacity for Methow Arts to work with our cross-sector partners to advocate for the necessary funding rural communities need to support healthy youth and, in turn, healthy communities.
Promoting the Creative Economy & Public Artworks
Our home office in Twisp and our new satellite office will serve as central hubs for artists, makers, locals, and visitors. In Twisp, we will create a “front door” for the Twisp Creative District, a gift shop featuring student artwork and artist-created merchandise, an interpretive display highlighting public artworks, promoting the work of other local arts/culture organizations, and opportunities for visitors to support our creative economy. Our satellite office will offer a similar experience and include space to pilot community-centered programs. As part of our ongoing commitment to public artwork we will be adding a community mural to the front of our current office.
Enriching Lives Through Live Performance
Live performances connect us across ages, backgrounds, and geography. This plan will allow us to collaborate more deeply with other organizations and bring high-impact performances that benefit all across Okanogan County. More details on these exciting plans are coming, so stay tuned!
This is a moment of celebration and a moment of possibility. It is also a moment made possible by you. Your support, partnership, and belief in the transformative power of the arts have brought us to this milestone. As we step into this next phase, we invite you to walk with us, dream with us, and help build a future where creativity is a resource shared by every community in our region. This work is just beginning.
If you are inspired and believe that arts and culture are foundational to healthy and vibrant rural communities, consider amplifying your voice in this work. Join us as a volunteer, spread the word, or consider donating so that we can establish a path toward long-term sustainability for this initiative.
If you want to guarantee that our youth have access to arts education not just for the near term but for a generation, consider donating to our endowment by contacting me at [email protected].
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are expanding the reach of the arts, and strengthening the fabric of the community across Okanogan County.
With gratitude and excitement,
Sarah Jo
Executive Director, Methow Arts Alliance
