Dear Friends,
2013 was a banner year for the Narrows Center for the Arts. We had over 30,000 people visit the Narrows for a concert, art show or community event. With tremendous support from our patrons and the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, we were able to install a state-of-the-art cooling system that will provide comfort and quiet for many years to come. This year we expanded our educational outreach programming hosting students for docent led gallery tours, an art show with Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School Photography Club, and interactive visual and performing arts experiences for students of all ages. We expanded our community outreach with two new successful events, Block-a-Palooza and Kids-a-Palooza. We also produced another successful Arts Festival (our 12th Annual) and conducted a very successful canned food drive that helped many Fall River families in need.
In 2013, we hosted over 138 concerts featuring the world’s finest musicians. Musical legends Little Feat, John Mayall, Dr. John, Joan Osborne, Los Lobos, Bettye LaVette, Nick Lowe, Bela Fleck, and Rosanne Cash played remarkable shows in 2013. Up-and-coming acts like Lake St. Dive, Amy Helm, Sarah Jarosz and Girls, Guns and Glory also played some killer shows. The Narrows has a respectful and knowledgeable audience that makes our venue a favorite tour stop for so many musicians.
The visual arts component at the Narrows continues to expand and evolve. The two preeminent art galleries offered 11 different exhibitions of fine art from both locally and nationally renowned artists. The Narrows continues to showcase and promote the visual arts by exhibiting works from emerging and established artists in all mediums.
In November, we hosted Little Feat’s Bill Payne for both a concert and an exhibition of his photography. After his concert, Bill spoke to his fans about his photography and his music. It was a very special event that showcased the intersection of the visual and performing arts. It also highlighted the symbiotic relationship between artist and audience.
This is what we try to do every day at the Narrows. Create special moments for the artist and you, our patrons. Making the arts accessible and important is our day-to-day mission. Support from our patrons is essential for our long term stability and vitality. Whether you are a current Friend of the Narrows ready to renew your support, or you are a frequent concert or gallery attendee, please don’t let the year end without making a contribution.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, volunteers, Deb and Kathy, I thank you so much for your friendship, support and patronage. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Patrick Norton, Executive Director
