History of SAGE
The original Sheridan Artists’ Guild (SAG) was established over 30 years ago as a small organization for Sheridan area artists. This guild served mainly as a social venue for the members and was loosely organized. In 2003 the guild had dwindled to less than 20 members. In July, 2005 the guild reorganized and was renamed the Sheridan Artists’ Guild, et al (SAGE). The organization has also received federal non-profit status and has grown to over 150 members.
Mission / Vision
Creating opportunities for adults and youth that encourage life-long education through the appreciation of and participation in the visual arts, and promoting and advancing community artists, artisans, and the visual arts through the provision of educational, social, cultural, and financial opportunities.
About Our Membership
SAGE is growing and constantly looking for new opportunities to promote the visual arts. Currently, we offer summer art programs, a holiday art show, exhibits at our Sheridan College Main Street Gallery, the Celebrate the Arts event every June, individual artist workshops, coordination of a variety of opportunities for members to showcase work throughout the region, and participation in the Big West Arts Festival. We are also in the process of creating a Community Art Center which will help further the efforts of supporting the visual arts in the region. Membership in the Sheridan Artists’ Guild, et al is open to anyone high school-age and older who is interested in the visual arts, regardless of his/her artistic skill, and to those who support and appreciate the visual arts.
Future of SAGE
The growth of Sheridan and the surrounding area has prompted the membership of SAGE to investigate what is needed for future success of the Arts. SAGE members have created a vision that includes a Community Art Center. The Center will provide numerous opportunities for artists and art patrons of all ages to learn, share, and thrive. A venue such as this will provide a vehicle for collaboration, community outreach, and education through a variety of art programming. This community need was verified in two recent surveys, one done by Forward Sheridan and the other by Regional Technology Strategies. These two surveys can be accessed at the following web addresses: Forward Sheridan www.forwardsheridan.com You will need to click on the Strategic Plan, then the Strategic Plan Sections and finally the Economic Strengths of the community. Regional Technology Strategies: www.rtsinc.org/publications/index.html The article is under 2008 and is titled Tradition, Expression, and Recognition; Creative Opportunities in the New West. The goal is to encourage cultural awareness and diversity through the arts.
