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Oil Painting by Florence Thomas
Flying Bird with Paintbrush

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.

Student painting with palette knife

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.

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Director of Operations Jessa Gerrald at Ashe County Elementary Schools doing outreach

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?

  • It's Easy Set it and forget it. Your gift is automatic each month and fully tax-deductible. 

  • It's Impactful Small monthly gifts add up to lasting change.

  • It's Empowering You'll be part of a special group of donors who fuel our work all year long.

  • 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

  • Bequest

  • Life Insurance Policy

  • 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 Samantha Oleschuk at samantha.ftas@gmail.com for a confidential conversation.

We are grateful for our 2024 donors!

Florence Supporter

up to $249

Ashe High Country Realty

Jill Atherton

Scott Ballard

Pat Beaver

Joan & Michael Bell

Peter & Judith Benda

Robert & Jennie Bickerton

Julia Bishop

Maria Blythe

Joan Bodenheimer

Alan Briggs

Jane Campbell

Christine DuBose

Linda & Charles Eddins

Jeff Evans & Dave Parnell

Rose Fitzgerald

Rhonda Ford

Harold Frontz

Kyle Hall

Heidi Henderson

Clint Johnson

Charles & Debbie Jones

Carol Kirby

Diane & Rick Labonte

Denise Lawless

Tricia Leonard

Becky & Kent Marsten

Ramona Matthews

Catherine "Kelly" McKinney

Sandra Merrill

Noel H. Miller

Suzanne & John Morrow

Samantha Oleschuk

JoAnn Pippin

Lynn & Hugh Rees-Jones

Patrick Richardson

Maria Rudsinski

Laurel Rumph

Wanda Salzer

Alli Schell

Joan Smith

Angie Thompson

Susan Van Wyk

Fay Weaver

Marilyn Wooten

Gretchen Ziegenhals

Florence Advocate

$250-499

Sandra Barrett

Pat Considine

Susan Donahue

Christina Freeman

Brandon & Brooke Idol

Jane Lonon

Brenda Smith

Florence Partner

$500-999

Tonya Bottomley

Tracy Conte

Martha Rountree

Tom Shessler & Mark Palkovic

The Solomon Family

Florence Champion

$1,000-2,499

Eva & Clyde Ingle

Elaine Jacobs

Barbara Sears

Florence Patron

$2,500-4,999

John MacConnell

LaMae Strange

Florence Sponsor

$5,000-$9,999

Florence Visionary

$10,000+

Anonymous

Kathi and Jerry Stevens

Jack Apple & Michelle Handler

The Haven Foundation

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.

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