Your Support Drives Our Impact!
When you donate to Florence Thomas Art School, you’re supporting programs that foster creativity and connection across Ashe County. Your support, no matter the amount, is crucial in advancing our mission to provide memorable, life-changing art experiences that enrich our community.
Florence Thomas Art School is dedicated to the artistic enrichment of our community.
Our nonprofit plays a vital role in promoting economic growth and fostering a strong cultural identity in Ashe County. By contributing to our organization, you help us continue to be a beacon of creativity and learning, ensuring that art remains accessible and impactful for all.
Thank you for your belief in the power of the arts!
Your generosity helps us preserve the rich cultural heritage of the mountains, offer education in various media, and foster creative expression for everyone. It also fuels our outreach programs—bringing art to underserved youth through our stART Children's Program and providing meaningful creative experiences to older adults through our SPARK Creative Aging Program.
WANT TO MAKE A LASTING IMPACT?
Support Creativity. Support Community. Every Month.
When you become a SUSTAINED DONOR, you do more than give – you build! Your monthly gift helps lay a reliable foundation for everything we do: from hands-on workshop and gallery exhibitions to free community outreach and art programs for all ages. In a rural area like ours, consistent support makes a real difference. Monthly giving allows us to plan ahead, respond to community needs, and ensure that everyone has access to meaningful, high-quality art experiences – no matter their age, background, or income.
Why Give Monthly?
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It's Easy – Set it and forget it. Your gift is automatic each month and fully tax-deductible.
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It's Impactful – Small monthly gifts add up to lasting change.
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It's Empowering – You'll be part of a special group of donors who fuel our work all year long.
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It's Personal – You'll receive thank-you notes with heartfelt stories of how you're making a difference!
Whether it's $5 or $50 a month, your ongoing support helps us keep the arts thriving in our community. Join us in shaping a creative, connected future – one month at a time.
WANT TO MAKE A LEGACY IMPACT?
Join the Florence Legacy Circle
The Florence Legacy Circle honors individuals who have included FTAS in their estate plans with a legacy gift, just like Florence Thomas herself! It’s a way to make a lasting impact — often without affecting your finances today. Legacy gifts to FTAS may be undesignated, providing flexible support for our greatest needs, or designated to sustain specific programs. Every legacy gift — no matter the size — helps secure the future of arts education and expression in Ashe County.
Why Make a Legacy Gift?
A legacy gift is more than a donation — it’s a reflection of your belief in the lasting power of the arts and an investment in tomorrow. By including FTAS in your estate plans, you help keep creativity alive in Ashe County for generations to come. Your gift supports a future where children discover art, older adults find joy through self-expression, and local artists continue to be celebrated.
Ways to Make a Legacy Gift
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Bequest
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Life Insurance Policy
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Retirement Plan Assets
FTAS recommends consulting with your financial advisor or estate planner to determine the best options for your goals, as well as any tax implications.
A legacy gift costs nothing today, but its impact will last forever! We'd be honored to work with you (and your advisor) to craft a gift that reflects your wishes and makes a meaningful difference.
To learn more about legacy giving, reach out directly to Jessa Gerrald at jessa.ftas@gmail.com for a confidential conversation.
Thank You!
We are deeply grateful to the following donors whose support helps us continue our mission of inspiring creativity and fostering artistic connections in Ashe County and beyond.
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North Carolina Arts Council: Thank you for your generous funding that supports the operations of our nonprofit school, enabling us to offer enriching arts experiences to our community.
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Ashe County Chamber of Commerce: Your assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene helped our nonprofit navigate challenges and continue serving our community. We are truly thankful for your support during a time of need!
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Arts AVL: We appreciate your generous funding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Your support enriches our community and enables us to keep bringing the arts to life for everyone we serve!
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The Haven Foundation: Your support has made it possible to relaunch the SPARK Creative Aging Program in 2025—a vital initiative that nurtures creativity and connection among older adults. We appreciate your belief in the transformative power of the arts!
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Anonymous Donor: With your generous contribution, we’ve been able to expand our Children’s Programming and stART Program, empowering the next generation of young artists. Thank you for investing in the future of the arts!
We are grateful for our 2025 donors!
Florence Supporter
up to $249
Christina Freeman
Lisa Willingham
Scott Ballard
Pat Beaver
Suzanne Harter
Alan Briggs
Nelson Gonzalez
Louis Zeller
Anonymous
Joni Ray
Fay Weaver
Phyllis Efford
Jerry Gambill
Joan Bodenheimer
Sophie Jordan
Cheryl Roberts
Betty Powell
Jane & Michael Campbell
Kyle & Susan Hall
Becky Marsten
Tricia Leonard
Chris Dalton
Diana Labonte
Susan Graham
Jane Davis
Brenda Smith
Jennifer Russel
Robert Bickerton
Debbie Scheiner
William & Susan Stiles
Gary & Debra Prange
Karen Strachan
Johnna & T. Dale Ritchie
Carol & Lon Coulter
Linda Smith
Florence Advocate
$250-499
Scot Pope
Karen Hall
John & Susan Morrow
Jane Lonon
Terry Harper & Dan Gaugert
Blue Ridge Art Clan (BRAC)
Skyline Skybest
Dan & Kathy Jarvis
Florence Partner
$500-999
Clyde & Eva Ingle
Tracy Conte
Tonya Bottomley
Tom Shessler & Mark Palkovic
Traylor & Diane Renfro
Heidi Henderson
Florence Champion
$1,000-2,499
Wayne & Kimberly Pitts
Dr. Wendee M. Wechsberg Giving Fund
Barbara Sears
Elaine Jacobs
Florence Patron
$2,500-4,999
LaMae Strange
Mary & Martha Mission Group
(First Baptist Church of West Jefferson)
Florence Sponsor
Florence Visionary
$5,000-$9,999
$10,000+
Todd & Kathy Mansfield
Jack Apple
Donations to Florence Thomas Art School, Inc. are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. No goods or services are given in exchange for charitable contributions. Florence Thomas Art School, Inc.'s EIN number is 45-1263531.
To donate by check, make it payable to Florence Thomas Art School and send it to:
Florence Thomas Art School
P.O. Box 865
West Jefferson, NC, 28694
Florence Thomas Art School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Florence Thomas Art School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, admission or scholarship policies and other organization-administrated programs. Florence Thomas Art School is handicap accessible.