Micro Masterpiece Event Raises Over $16,000

Jun 11, 2024 05:15PM ● By Ornella Rossi

Panels displayed the 625 art pieces showcased at the Micro-Masterpiece event. Photo courtesy of Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Rancho Cordova Arts, a nonprofit organization, has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering creativity and education within the community through its annual Micro Masterpieces event raising more than $16,000. Held at the MACC (Mills Station Arts & Culture Center), the heart of Rancho Cordova Arts, this fundraiser aims to provide essential art supplies to teachers and students across the region, making a significant impact on education and artistic expression.

The sixth annual Rancho Cordova Micro Masterpieces event features an array of 6x6 pieces of art, each a testament to the talent and generosity of the community in supporting art education.

“The art is all donated by the artists; they understand how important it is to have art in schools.” said art director Cheryl Gleason.

With 625 pieces available for bidding, ranging from oil and acrylic paintings to collages and photography, ceramics and mosaic, there was something for every art lover. Starting at just $20, with bid increments of $3, the event ran from June 3 to June 8, with bidding taking place online. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to view the Micro Masterpieces in person at the MACC Gallery from June 6 to June 8.

This year, one piece went for more than $400, making the highest amount ever attained at the event for a single piece.

“It was a surprise and an honor. A testament that there is a huge support base for the event and for the arts in Rancho Cordova,” said artist Paula Bellacera, whose art raised the most funds.

Over the years, Rancho Cordova Arts has set ambitious fundraising goals, starting from $7,500 and reaching $15,000 in donations. The event has grown substantially since its inception, with the first year raising $1,200 and subsequent years seeing significant increases in funds raised.

"We buy the supplies instead of donating the money so the supplies go exactly where we want them to go," Gleason emphasized.

The Micro Masterpieces event began as an initiative to raise funds for the MACC. Originating from a fundraiser with 6x6 panels, the event quickly gained momentum, transitioning from in-person auctions to an online platform, particularly advantageous during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to extend the bidding period over five days allowed for greater participation and ultimately increased donations.

“We know this program is working because this year, the MACC had its largest student show with 552 pieces of art, which is over 100 more than last year,” Gleason said. “Schools that had never participated before are now participating.”

This project operates year-round with various tasks distributed across the months. In January, panels are distributed and collected until April, with photographs taken for the website. In June, the auction is launched and items are packaged. In July and August, board meetings are held to review numbers and allocated budgets. In September, teachers receive wish lists for materials, with supply orders placed in October. By December, orders are assembled, and teachers are invited to a pickup party at the end of the school year. Finally, in January, teachers start the new year with fresh supplies.

The importance of art education cannot be overstated. Studies have shown that students with access to art education are five times less likely to drop out of school, four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievements, four times more likely to receive a bachelor's degree and 30% more inclined to pursue a professional career.

Looking ahead, Rancho Cordova Arts is expanding its initiatives to include "Teach the Teachers" workshops, aimed at equipping educators with innovative techniques to integrate art into their curriculum effectively.

“The MACC is a very special place because they are so hooked into the community,” Bellacera said. “They bring the most magnificent opportunities for the public.”